1.Cit. You are all resolu'd rather to dy then to famish? All. Resolu'dresolu'd

1.Cit. First you knowCaius Martius is chiefe enemy to the people

All. We know'twe know't

1.Cit. Let vs kill himand wee'l haue Corne at our own

price. Is't a Verdict? All. No more talking on't; Let it be doneawayaway 2.Cit. One wordgood Citizens

1.Cit. We are accounted poore Citizensthe Patricians good: what Authority surfets onewould releeue vs. If they would yeelde vs but the superfluitie while it were wholsomewee might guesse they releeued vs humanely: But they thinke we are too deerethe leannesse that afflicts vsthe obiect of our miseryis as an inuentory to particularize their abundanceour sufferance is a gaine to them. Let vs reuenge this with our Pikesere we become Rakes. For the Gods knowI speake this in hunger for Breadnot in thirst for Reuenge

2.Cit. Would you proceede especially against Caius Martius

All. Against him first: He's a very dog to the Commonalty

2.Cit. Consider you what Seruices he ha's done for his Country?

1.Cit. Very welland could bee content to giue him good report for'tbut that hee payes himselfe with beeing proud

All. Naybut speak not maliciously

1.Cit. I say vnto youwhat he hath done Famousliehe did it to that end: though soft conscienc'd men can be content to say it was for his Countreyhe did it to please his Motherand to be partly proudwhich he iseuen to the altitude of his vertue

2.Cit. What he cannot helpe in his Natureyou account

a Vice in him: You must in no way say he is couetous

1.Cit. If I must notI neede not be barren of Accusations he hath faults (with surplus) to tyre in repetition.

Showts within.

What showts are these? The other side a'th City is risen: why stay we prating heere? To th' Capitoll

All. Comecome

1 Cit. Softwho comes heere? Enter Menenius Agrippa.

2 Cit. Worthy Menenius Agrippaone that hath alwayes lou'd the people

1 Cit. He's one honest enoughwold al the rest wer so

Men. What work's my Countrimen in hand? Where go you with Bats and Clubs? The matter Speake I pray you

2 Cit. Our busines is not vnknowne to th' Senatthey haue had inkling this fortnight what we intend to dow now wee'l shew em in deeds: they say poore Suters haue strong breathsthey shal know we haue strong arms too

Men. I tell you Friendsmost charitable care Haue the Patricians of you for your wants. Your suffering in this dearthyou may as well Strike at the Heauen with your stauesas lift them Against the Roman Statewhose course will on The way it takes: cracking ten thousand Curbes Of more strong linke assunderthen can euer Appeare in your impediment. For the DearthThe Godsnot the Patricians make itand Your knees to them (not armes) must helpe. AlackeYou are transported by Calamity Thetherwhere more attends youand you slander The Helmes o'th State; who care for you like FathersWhen you curse themas Enemies

2 Cit. Care for vs? True indeedthey nere car'd for vs yet. Suffer vs to famishand their Store-houses cramm'd with Graine: Make Edicts for Vsurieto support Vsurers; repeale daily any wholsome Act established against the richand prouide more piercing Statutes dailyto chaine vp and restraine the poore. If the Warres eate vs not vppethey will; and there's all the loue they beare vs

Menen. Either you must Confesse your selues wondrous MaliciousOr be accus'd of Folly. I shall tell you A pretty Taleit may be you haue heard itBut since it serues my purposeI will venture To scale't a little more

2 Citizen. WellIle heare it Sir: yet you must not thinke To fobbe off our disgrace with a tale: But and't please you deliuer

Men. There was a timewhen all the bodies members Rebell'd against the Belly; thus accus'd it: That onely like a Gulfe it did remaine I'th midd'st a th' bodyidle and vnactiueStill cubbording the Viandneuer bearing Like labour with the restwhere th' other Instruments Did seeand hearedeuiseinstructwalkefeeleAnd mutually participatedid minister Vnto the appetite; and affection common Of the whole bodythe Belly answer'd

2.Cit. Well sirwhat answer made the Belly

Men. SirI shall tell you with a kinde of SmileWhich ne're came from the Lungsbut euen thus: For looke you I may make the belly SmileAs well as speakeit taintingly replyed To'th' discontented Membersthe mutinous parts That enuied his receite: euen so most fitlyAs you maligne our Senatorsfor that They are not such as you

Men. What then? Fore methis Fellow speakes. What then? What then? 2.Cit. Should by the Cormorant belly be restrain'dWho is the sinke a th' body

Men. Wellwhat then? 2.Cit. The former Agentsif they did complaineWhat could the Belly answer?

Men. I will tell youIf you'l bestow a small (of what you haue little) Patience awhile; you'st heare the Bellies answer

2.Cit. Y'are long about it

Men. Note me this good Friend; Your most graue Belly was deliberateNot rash like his Accusersand thus answered. True is it my Incorporate Friends (quoth he) That I receiue the generall Food at first Which you do liue vpon: and fit it isBecause I am the Store-houseand the Shop Of the whole Body. Butif you do rememberI send it through the Riuers of your blood Euen to the Courtthe Heartto th' seate o'th' BraineAnd through the Crankes and Offices of manThe strongest Neruesand small inferiour Veines From me receiue that naturall competencie Whereby they liue. And though that all at once (You my good Friendsthis sayes the Belly) marke me

2.Cit. I sirwellwell

Men. Though all at oncecannot See what I do deliuer out to eachYet I can make my Awdit vpthat all From me do backe receiue the Flowre of allAnd leaue me but the Bran. What say you too't?

2.Cit. It was an answerhow apply you this?

Men. The Senators of Romeare this good BellyAnd you the mutinous Members: For examine Their Counsailesand their Cares; disgest things rightlyTouching the Weale a'th Commonyou shall finde No publique benefit which you receiue But it proceedsor comes from them to youAnd no way from your selues. What do you thinke? Youthe great Toe of this Assembly?

2.Cit. I the great Toe? Why the great Toe?

Men. For that being one o'th lowestbasestpoorest Of this most wise Rebellionthou goest formost: Thou Rascallthat art worst in blood to runLead'st first to win some vantage. But make you ready your stiffe bats and clubsRomeand her Ratsare at the point of battellThe one side must haue baile. Enter Caius Martius.

Mar. He that will giue good words to theewil flatter Beneath abhorring. What would you haueyou CurresThat like nor Peacenor Warre? The one affrights youThe other makes you proud. He that trusts to youWhere he should finde you Lyonsfindes you Hares: Where FoxesGeese you are: No surernoThen is the coale of fire vpon the IceOr Hailstone in the Sun. Your Vertue isTo make him worthywhose offence subdues himAnd curse that Iustice did it. Who deserues GreatnesDeserues your Hate: and your Affections are A sickmans Appetite; who desires most that Which would encrease his euill. He that depends Vpon your fauoursswimmes with finnes of LeadeAnd hewes downe Oakeswith rushes. Hang ye: trust ye? With euery Minute you do change a MindeAnd call him Noblethat was now your Hate: Him vildethat was your Garland. What's the matterThat in these seuerall places of the CitieYou cry against the Noble Senatewho (Vnder the Gods) keepe you in awewhich else Would feede on one another? What's their seeking?

Men. For Corne at their owne rateswherof they say The Citie is well stor'd

Mar. Hang 'em: They say? They'l sit by th' fireand presume to know What's done i'th Capitoll: Who's like to riseWho thriues& who declines: Side factions& giue out Coniecturall Marriagesmaking parties strongAnd feebling such as stand not in their liking

Below their cobled Shooes. They say ther's grain enough? Would the Nobility lay aside their ruthAnd let me vse my SwordI'de make a Quarrie With thousands of these quarter'd slauesas high As I could picke my Lance

Menen. Nay these are almost thoroughly perswaded: For though abundantly they lacke discretion Yet are they passing Cowardly. But I beseech youWhat sayes the other Troope?

Mar. They are dissolu'd: Hang em; They said they were an hungrysigh'd forth Prouerbes That Hunger-broke stone wals: that dogges must eate That meate was made for mouths. That the gods sent not Corne for the Richmen onely: With these shreds They vented their Complainingswhich being answer'd And a petition granted thema strange oneTo breake the heart of generosityAnd make bold power looke palethey threw their caps As they would hang them on the hornes a'th MooneShooting their Emulation

Menen. What is graunted them?

Mar. Fiue Tribunes to defend their vulgar wisdoms Of their owne choice. One's Iunius BrutusSicinius Velutusand I know not. SdeathThe rabble should haue first vnroo'st the City Ere so preuayl'd with me; it will in time Win vpon powerand throw forth greater Theames For Insurrections arguing

Sicin. Was euer man so proud as is this Martius? Bru. He has no equall

Sicin. When we were chosen Tribunes for the people

Bru. Mark'd you his lip and eyes

Sicin. Naybut his taunts

Bru. Being mou'dhe will not spare to gird the Gods

Sicin. Bemocke the modest Moone

Bru. The present Warres deuoure himhe is growne Too proud to be so valiant

Sicin. Such a Naturetickled with good successedisdaines the shadow which he treads on at noonebut I do wonderhis insolence can brooke to be commanded vnder Cominius?

Bru. Fameat the which he aymesIn whom already he's well grac'dcannot Better be heldnor more attain'd then by A place below the first: for what miscarries Shall be the Generals faultthough he performe To th' vtmost of a manand giddy censure Will then cry out of Martius: Ohif he Had borne the businesse

Sicin. Besidesif things go wellOpinion that so stickes on Martiusshall Of his demerits rob Cominius

Bru. Come: halfe all Cominius Honors are to Martius Though Martius earn'd them not: and all his faults To Martius shall be Honorsthough indeed In ought he merit not

Sicin. Let's henceand heare How the dispatch is madeand in what fashion More then his singularityhe goes Vpon this present Action

Bru. Let's along.

Exeunt.

Enter Tullus Auffidius with Senators of Coriolus.

1.Sen. Soyour opinion is AuffidiusThat they of Rome are entred in our CounsailesAnd know how we proceede

Auf. Is it not yours? What euer haue bin thought one in this State That could be brought to bodily actere Rome Had circumuention: 'tis not foure dayes gone Since I heard thencethese are the wordsI thinke I haue the Letter heere: yesheere it is; They haue prest a Powerbut it is not knowne Whether for East or West: the Dearth is greatThe people Mutinous: And it is rumour'dCominiusMartius your old Enemy (Who is of Rome worse hated then of you) And Titus Lartiusa most valiant RomanThese three leade on this Preparation Whether 'tis bent: most likely'tis for you: Consider of it

1.Sen. Our Armie's in the Field: We neuer yet made doubt but Rome was ready To answer vs

Auf. Nor did you thinke it follyTo keepe your great pretences vayl'dtill when They needs must shew themselueswhich in the hatching It seem'd appear'd to Rome. By the discoueryWe shalbe shortned in our aymewhich was To take in many Townesere (almost) Rome Should know we were a-foot

2.Sen. Noble AuffidiusTake your Commissionhye you to your BandsLet vs alone to guard Corioles If they set downe before's: for the remoue Bring vp your Army: but (I thinke) you'l finde Th'haue not prepar'd for vs

Auf. O doubt not thatI speake from Certainties. Nay moreSome parcels of their Power are forth alreadyAnd onely hitherward. I leaue your Honors. If weand Caius Martius chance to meete'Tis sworne betweene vswe shall euer strike Till one can do no more

All. The Gods assist you

Auf. And keepe your Honors safe

1.Sen. Farewell

2.Sen. Farewell

All. Farewell.

Exeunt. omnes.

Enter Volumnia and Virgiliamother and wife to Martius: They set them downe on two lowe stooles and sowe.

Volum. I pray you daughter singor expresse your selfe in a more comfortable sort: If my Sonne were my HusbandI should freelier reioyce in that absence wherein he wonne Honorthen in the embracements of his Bedwhere he would shew most loue. When yet hee was but tender-bodiedand the onely Sonne of my womb; when youth with comelinesse pluck'd all gaze his way; when for a day of Kings entreatiesa Mother should not sel him an houre from her beholding; I considering how Honour would become such a personthat it was no better then Picture-like to hang by th' wallif renowne made it not stirrewas pleas'd to let him seeke dangerwhere he was like to finde fame: To a cruell Warre I sent himfrom whence he return'dhis browes bound with Oake. I tell thee DaughterI sprang not more in ioy at first hearing he was a Man-childthen now in first seeing he had proued himselfe a man

Virg. But had he died in the Businesse Madamehow then?

Volum. Then his good report should haue beene my SonneI therein would haue found issue. Heare me professe sincerelyhad I a dozen sons each in my loue alikeand none lesse deere then thineand my good MartiusI had rather had eleuen dye Nobly for their Countreythen one voluptuously surfet out of Action. Enter a Gentlewoman.

Gent. Madamthe lady Valeria is come to visit you

Virg. Beseech you giue me leaue to retire my selfe

Volum. Indeed you shall not: Me thinkesI heare hither your Husbands Drumme: See him plucke Auffidius downe by th' haire: (As children from a Beare) the Volces shunning him: Me thinkes I see him stampe thusand call thusCome on you Cowardsyou were got in feare Though you were borne in Rome; his bloody brow With his mail'd handthen wipingforth he goes Like to a Haruest manthat task'd to mowe Or allor loose his hyre

Virg. His bloody Brow? Oh Iupiterno blood

Volum. Away you Foole; it more becomes a man Then gilt his Trophe. The brests of Hecuba When she did suckle Hectorlook'd not louelier Then Hectors forheadwhen it spit forth blood At Grecian sword. Contenningtell Valeria

We are fit to bid her welcome.

Exit Gent.

Vir. Heauens blesse my Lord from fell Auffidius

Vol. Hee'l beat Auffidius head below his kneeAnd treade vpon his necke. Enter Valeria with an Vsherand a Gentlewoman.

Val. My Ladies both good day to you

Vol. Sweet Madam

Vir. I am glad to see your Ladyship

Val. How do you both? You are manifest house-keepers. What are you sowing heere? A fine spotte in good faith. How does your little Sonne?

Vir. I thanke your Lady-ship: Well good Madam

Vol. He had rather see the swordsand heare a Drumthen looke vpon his Schoolmaster

Val. A my word the Fathers Sonne: Ile sweare 'tis a very pretty boy. A my trothI look'd vpon him a Wensday halfe an houre together: ha's such a confirm'd countenance. I saw him run after a gilded Butterfly& when he caught ithe let it go againeand after it againeand ouer and ouer he comesand vp againe: catcht it again: or whether his fall enrag'd himor how 'twashee did so set his teethand teare it. OhI warrant how he mammockt it

Vol. One on's Fathers moods

Val. Indeed latis a Noble childe

Virg. A Cracke Madam

Val. Comelay aside your stitcheryI must haue you play the idle Huswife with me this afternoone

Val. Verily I do not iest with you: there came newes from him last night

Vir. Indeed Madam

Val. In earnest it's true; I heard a Senatour speake it. Thus it is: the Volcies haue an Army forthagainst who[m] Cominius the Generall is gonewith one part of our Romane power. Your Lordand Titus Lartiusare set down before their Citie Cariolesthey nothing doubt preuailingand to make it breefe Warres. This is true on mine Honorand so I pray go with vs

Virg. Giue me excuse good MadameI will obey you in euery thing heereafter

Vol. Let her alone Ladieas she is now: She will but disease our better mirth

Valeria. In troth I thinke she would: Fare you well then. Come good sweet Ladie. Prythee Virgilia turne thy solemnesse out a dooreAnd go along with vs

Virgil. No At a word Madam; Indeed I must notI wish you much mirth

Val. Wellthen farewell.

Exeunt. Ladies.

Enter MartiusTitus Lartiuswith Drumme and Colourswith Captaines and Souldiersas before the City Corialus: to them a Messenger.

There is Auffidious. List what worke he makes Among'st your clouen Army

Mart. Oh they are at it

Lart. Their noise be our instruction. Ladders hoa. Enter the Army of the Volces.

Mar. They feare vs notbut issue forth their Citie. Now put your Shields before your heartsand fight With hearts more proofe then Shields. Aduance braue TitusThey do disdaine vs much beyond our Thoughtswhich makes me sweat with wrath. Come on my fellows He that retiresIle take him for a VolceAnd he shall feele mine edge.

Alarumthe Romans are beat back to their Trenches Enter Martius Cursing.

Mar. All the contagion of the Southlight on youYou Shames of Rome: you Heard of Byles and Plagues Plaister you o'rethat you may be abhorr'd Farther then seeneand one infect another Against the Winde a mile: you soules of GeeseThat beare the shapes of menhow haue you run From Slauesthat Apes would beate; Pluto and HellAll hurt behindebackes redand faces pale With flight and agued fearemend and charge homeOr by the fires of heauenIle leaue the FoeAnd make my Warres on you: Looke too't: Come onIf you'l stand fastwee'l beate them to their WiuesAs they vs to our Trenches followes.

Another Alarumand Martius followes them to gatesand is shut

in.

Sonow the gates are ope: now proue good Seconds'Tis for the followers Fortunewidens themNot for the flyers: Marke meand do the like.Enter the Gati.

1.Sol. Foole-hardinessenot I

2.Sol. Nor I

1.Sol. See they haue shut him in.

Alarum continues

All. To th' pot I warrant him.

Enter Titus Lartius

Tit. What is become of Martius? All. Slaine (Sir) doubtlesse

1.Sol. Following the Flyers at the very heelesWith them he enters: who vpon the sodaine Clapt to their Gateshe is himselfe aloneTo answer all the City

Lar. Oh Noble Fellow! Who sensibly out-dares his sencelesse SwordAnd when it bowesstand'st vp: Thou art left MartiusA Carbuncle intire: as big as thou art Weare not so rich a Iewell. Thou was't a Souldier Euen to Calues wishnot fierce and terrible Onely in strokesbut with thy grim lookesand The Thunder-like percussion of thy sounds Thou mad'st thine enemies shakeas if the World Were Feauorousand did tremble. Enter Martius bleedingassaulted by the Enemy.

1.Sol. Looke Sir

Lar. O 'tis Martius. Let's fetch him offor make remaine alike.

They fightand all enter the City.

Enter certaine Romanes with spoiles.

1.Rom. This will I carry to Rome

2.Rom. And I this

3.Rom. A Murrain on'tI tooke this for Siluer.

Exeunt.

Alarum continues still a-farre off.

Enter Martiusand Titus with a Trumpet.

Mar. See heere these mouersthat do prize their hours At a crack'd Drachme: CushionsLeaden SpoonesIrons of a DoitDublets that Hangmen would Bury with those that wore them. These base slaues

Ere yet the fight be donepacke vpdowne with them. And harkewhat noyse the Generall makes: To him There is the man of my soules hateAuffidiousPiercing our Romanes: Then Valiant Titus take Conuenient Numbers to make good the CityWhil'st I with those that haue the spiritwil haste To helpe Cominius

Com. 'Tis not a mile: briefely we heard their drummes. How could'st thou in a mile confound an houreAnd bring thy Newes so late?

Mes. Spies of the Volces Held me in chacethat I was forc'd to wheele Three or foure miles aboutelse had I sir Halfe an houre since brought my report. Enter Martius.

Com. Whose yonder

That doe's appeare as he were Flead? O GodsHe has the stampe of Martiusand I haue Before time seene him thus

Mar. Come I too late?

Com. The Shepherd knowes not Thunder fro[m] a TaberMore then I know the sound of Martius Tongue From euery meaner man

Martius. Come I too late? Com. Iif you come not in the blood of othersBut mantled in your owne

Mart. Oh! let me clip ye In Armes as soundas when I woo'd in heart; As merryas when our Nuptiall day was doneAnd Tapers burnt to Bedward

Com. Flower of Warriorshow is't with Titus Lartius?

Mar. As with a man busied about Decrees: Condemning some to deathand some to exileRansoming himor pittyingthreatning th' other; Holding Corioles in the name of RomeEuen like a fawning Grey-hound in the LeashTo let him slip at will

Com. Where is that Slaue Which told me they had beate you to your Trenches? Where is he? Call him hither

Mar. Let him aloneHe did informe the truth: but for our GentlemenThe common file(a plague-Tribunes for them) The Mouse ne're shunn'd the Catas they did budge From Rascals worse then they

Com. But how preuail'd you?

Mar. Will the time serue to tellI do not thinke: Where is the enemy? Are you Lords a'th Field? If notwhy cease you till you are so?

Mar. How lies their Battell? Know you on w side They haue plac'd their men of trust?

Com. As I guesse MartiusTheir Bands i'th Vaward are the Antients Of their best trust: O're them AuffidiousTheir very heart of Hope

Mar. I do beseech youBy all the Battailes wherein we haue foughtBy th' Blood we haue shed togetherBy th' Vowes we haue made To endure Friendsthat you directly set me Against Affidiousand his AntiatsAnd that you not delay the present (but Filling the aire with Swords aduanc'd) and DartsWe proue this very houre

Com. Though I could wishYou were conducted to a gentle BathAnd Balmes applyed to youyet dare I neuer Deny your askingtake your choice of those

That best can ayde your action

Mar. Those are they That most are willing; if any such be heere(As it were sinne to doubt) that loue this painting Wherein you see me smear'dif any feare Lessen his personthen an ill report: If any thinkebraue death out-weighes bad lifeAnd that his Countries deerer then himselfeLet him alone: Or so many so mindedWaue thus to expresse his dispositionAnd follow Martius.

They all shout and waue their swordstake him vp in their Armesand castvp their Caps.

Oh me alonemake you a sword of me:If these shewes be not outwardwhich of youBut is foure Volces? None of youbut isAble to beare against the great AuffidiousA Shieldas hard as his. A certaine number(Though thankes to all) must I select from all:The rest shall beare the businesse in some other fight(As cause will be obey'd:) please you to MarchAnd foure shall quickly draw out my CommandWhich men are best inclin'd

Com. March on my Fellowes: Make good this ostentationand you shall Diuide in allwith vs.

Exeunt.

Titus Lartiushauing set a guard vpon Cariolesgoing with Drum and Trumpet toward Cominiusand Caius MartiusEnters with a Lieutenantother Souldioursand a Scout.

Lar. Solet the Ports be guarded; keepe your Duties As I haue set them downe. If I do senddispatch Those Centuries to our aydthe rest will serue For a short holdingif we loose the FieldWe cannot keepe the Towne

Heere they fightand certaine Volces come in the ayde of Auffi.Martiusfights til they be driuen in breathles.

Officious and not valiantyou haue sham'd meIn your condemned Seconds.

Flourish. Alarum. A Retreat is sounded. Enter at one DooreCominiuswiththe Romanes: At another Doore Martiuswith his Arme in aScarfe.

Com. If I should tell thee o're this thy dayes WorkeThou't not beleeue thy deeds: but Ile report itWhere Senators shall mingle teares with smilesWhere great Patricians shall attendand shrugI'th' end admire: where Ladies shall be frightedAnd gladly quak'dheare more: where the dull TribunesThat with the fustie Plebeanshate thine HonorsShall say against their heartsWe thanke the Gods Our Rome hath such a Souldier. Yet cam'st thou to a Morsell of this FeastHauing fully din'd before. Enter Titus with his Powerfrom the Pursuit.

Martius. Pray nowno more: My Motherwho ha's a Charter to extoll her BloudWhen she do's prayse megrieues me: I haue done as you haue donethat's what I canInduc'd as you haue beenethat's for my Countrey: He that ha's but effected his good willHath ouerta'ne mine Act

Com. You shall not be the Graue of your deseruingRome must know the value of her owne: 'Twere a Concealement worse then a TheftNo lesse then a TraducementTo hide your doingsand to silence thatWhich to the spireand top of prayses vouch'dWould seeme but modest: therefore I beseech youIn signe of what you arenot to reward What you haue donebefore our Armie heare me

Martius. I haue some Wounds vpon meand they smart To heare themselues remembred

Com. Should they not: Well might they fester 'gainst IngratitudeAnd tent themselues with death: of all the HorsesWhereof we haue ta'ne goodand good store of allThe Treasure in this field atchieuedand CitieWe render you the Tenthto be ta'ne forthBefore the common distributionAt your onely choyse

Martius. I thanke you Generall: But cannot make my heart consent to take A Bribeto pay my Sword: I doe refuse itAnd stand vpon my common part with thoseThat haue beheld the doing.

A long flourish. They all cryMartiusMartiuscast vp their Caps and Launces: Cominius and Lartius stand bare.

Mar. May these same Instrumentswhich you prophaneNeuer sound more: when Drums and Trumpets shall I'th' field proue flattererslet Courts and Cities be Made all of false-fac'd soothing: When Steele growes softas the Parasites SilkeLet him be made an Ouerture for th' Warres: No more I sayfor that I haue not wash'd My Nose that bledor foyl'd some debile WretchWhich without notehere's many else haue doneYou shoot me forth in acclamations hyperbolicallAs if I lou'd my little should be dieted In praysessawc'st with Lyes

Com. Too modest are you: More cruell to your good reportthen gratefull To vsthat giue you truly: by your patienceIf 'gainst your selfe you be incens'dwee'le put you (Like one that meanes his proper harme) in ManaclesThen reason safely with you: Therefore be it knowneAs to vsto all the WorldThat Caius Martius Weares this Warres Garland: in token of the whichMy Noble Steedknowne to the CampeI giue himWith all his trim belonging; and from this timeFor what he did before Coriolescall himWith all th' applause and Clamor of the HoastMarcus Caius Coriolanus. Beare th' addition Nobly euer? Flourish. Trumpets soundand Drums.

Omnes. Marcus Caius Coriolanus

Martius. I will goe wash: And when my Face is faireyou shall perceiue Whether I blush or no: howbeitI thanke youI meane to stride your Steedand at all times To vnder-crest your good AdditionTo th' fairenesse of my power

Com. Soto our Tent: Where ere we doe repose vswe will write To Rome of our successe: you Titus Lartius Must to Corioles backesend vs to Rome The bestwith whom we may articulateFor their owne goodand ours

Lartius. I shallmy Lord

Martius. The Gods begin to mocke me: I that now refus'd most Princely giftsAm bound to begge of my Lord Generall

Com. Tak't'tis yours: what is't?

Martius. I sometime lay here in CoriolesAt a poore mans house: he vs'd me kindlyHe cry'd to me: I saw him Prisoner: But then Auffidius was within my viewAnd Wrath o're-whelm'd my pittie: I request you To giue my poore Host freedome

Com. Oh well begg'd: Were he the Butcher of my Sonnehe should Be freeas is the Winde: deliuer himTitus

Lartius. Martiushis Name

Martius. By Iupiter forgot: I am wearieyeamy memorie is tyr'd: Haue we no Wine here?

Com. Goe we to our Tent: The bloud vpon your Visage dryes'tis time It should be lookt too: come.

Exeunt.

A flourish. Cornets. Enter Tullus Auffidius bloudiewith two or three Souldiors.

Auffi. The Towne is ta'ne

Sould. 'Twill be deliuer'd backe on good Condition

Auffid. Condition? I would I were a Romanfor I cannotBeing a Volcebe that I am. Condition? What good Condition can a Treatie finde I'th' part that is at mercy? fiue timesMartiusI haue fought with thee; so often hast thou beat me: And would'st doe soI thinkeshould we encounter As often as we eate. By th' ElementsIf ere againe I meet him beard to beardHe's mineor I am his: Mine Emulation Hath not that Honor in't it had: For where I thought to crush him in an equall ForceTrue Sword to Sword: Ile potche at him some wayOr Wrathor Craft may get him

Sol. He's the diuell

Auf. Bolderthough not so subtle: my valors poison'dWith onely suff'ring staine by him: for him Shall flye out of it selfenor sleepenor sanctuaryBeing nakedsicke; nor Phanenor CapitollThe Prayers of Priestsnor times of Sacrifice: Embarquements all of Furyshall lift vp Their rotten Priuiledgeand Custome 'gainst My hate to Martius. Where I finde himwere it At homevpon my Brothers Guardeuen there Against the hospitable Canonwould I Wash my fierce hand in's heart. Go you to th' Citie

Learne how 'tis heldand what they are that must Be Hostages for Rome

Soul. Will not you go?

Auf. I am attended at the Cyprus groue. I pray you ('Tis South the City Mils) bring me word thither How the world goes: that to the pace of it I may spurre on my iourney

Soul. I shall sir.

Actus Secundus.

Enter Menenius with the two Tribunes of the peopleSicinius & Brutus.

Men. The Agurer tels mewee shall haue Newes to night

Bru. Good or bad? Men. Not according to the prayer of the peoplefor they loue not Martius

Sicin. Nature teaches Beasts to know their Friends

Men. Pray youwho does the Wolfe loue? Sicin. The Lambe

Men. Ito deuour himas the hungry Plebeians would the Noble Martius

Bru. He's a Lambe indeedthat baes like a Beare

Men. Hee's a Beare indeedethat liues like a Lambe. You two are old mentell me one thing that I shall aske you

Both. Well sir

Men. In what enormity is Martius poore inthat you two haue not in abundance? Bru. He's poore in no one faultbut stor'd withall

Sicin. Especially in Pride

Bru. And topping all others in boasting

Men. This is strange now: Do you two knowhow you are censured heere in the CityI mean of vs a'th' right hand Filedo you?

Both. Why? how are we censur'd?

Men. Because you talke of Pride nowwill you not be angry

Both. Wellwell sirwell

Men. Why 'tis no great matter: for a very little theefe of Occasionwill rob you of a great deale of Patience: Giue your dispositions the reinesand bee angry at your pleasures (at the least) if you take it as a pleasure to youin being so: you blame Martius for being proud

Brut. We do it not alonesir

Men. I know you can doe very little alonefor your helpes are manyor else your actions would growe wondrous single: your abilities are to Infant-likefor dooing much alone. You talke of Pride: Ohthat you could turn your eyes toward the Napes of your neckesand make but an Interiour suruey of your good selues. Oh that you could

Both. What then sir?

Men. Why then you should discouer a brace of vnmeritingproudviolenttestie Magistrates (alias Fooles) as any in Rome

Sicin. Meneniusyou are knowne well enough too

Men. I am knowne to be a humorous Patritianand one that loues a cup of hot Winewith not a drop of alaying Tiber in't: Saidto be something imperfect in fauouring the first complainthasty and Tinder-like vpponto triuiall motion: Onethat conuerses more with the Buttocke of the nightthen with the forhead of the morning. What I thinkI vtterand spend my malice in my breath. Meeting two such Weales men as you are (I cannot call you Licurgusses) if the drinke you giue metouch my Palat aduerslyI make a crooked face at itI can sayyour Worshippes haue deliuer'd the matter wellwhen I finde the Asse in compoundwith the Maior part of your syllables. And though I must be content to beare with thosethat say you are reuerend graue menyet they lye deadlythat tell you haue good facesif you see this in the Map of my Microcosmefollowes it that I am knowne well enough too? What harme can your beesome Conspectuities gleane out of this Charracterif I be knowne well enough too

Bru. Come sir comewe know you well enough

Menen. You know neither meeyour seluesnor any thing: you are ambitiousfor poore knaues cappes and legges: you weare out a good wholesome Forenoonein hearing a cause betweene an Orendge wifeand a Forfetsellerand then reiourne the Controuersie of three-pence to a second day of Audience. When you are hearing a matter betweene party and partyif you chaunce to bee pinch'd with the Collikeyou make faces like Mummersset vp the bloodie Flagge against all Patienceand in roaring for a Chamber-potdismisse the Controuersie bleedingthe more intangled by your hearing: All the peace you make in their Causeis calling both the parties Knaues. You are a payre of strange ones

Bru. Comecomeyou are well vnderstood to bee a perfecter gyber for the Tablethen a necessary Bencher in the Capitoll

Men. Our very Priests must become Mockersif they shall encounter such ridiculous Subiects as you arewhen you speake best vnto the purpose. It is not woorth the wagging of your Beardsand your Beards deserue not so honourable a graueas to stuffe a Botchers Cushionor to be intomb'd in an Asses Packe-saddle; yet you must bee sayingMartius is proud: who in a cheape estimationis worth all your predecessorssince Deucalionthough peraduenture

some of the best of 'em were hereditarie hangmen. Godden to your Worshipsmore of your conuersation would infect my Brainebeing the Heardsmen of the Beastly Plebeans. I will be bold to take my leaue of you.

Bru. and Scic. Aside.

Enter VolumniaVirgiliaand Valeria.

How now (my as faire as Noble) Ladyesand the Moone were shee Earthlyno Nobler; whither doe you follow your Eyes so fast?

Volum. Lookehere's a Letter from himthe State hath anotherhis Wife anotherand (I thinke) there's one at home for you

Menen. I will make my very house reele to night: A Letter for me? Virgil. Yes certainethere's a Letter for youI saw't

Menen. A Letter for me? it giues me an Estate of seuen yeeres health; in which timeI will make a Lippe at the Physician: The most soueraigne Prescription in Galenis but Emperickqutique; and to this Preseruatiueof no better report then a Horse-drench. Is he not wounded? he was wont to come home wounded?

Virgil. Oh nonono

Volum. Ohhe is woundedI thanke the Gods for't

Menen. So doe I tooif it be not too much: brings a Victorie in his Pocket? the wounds become him

Volum. On's Browes: Meneniushee comes the third time home with the Oaken Garland

Menen. And 'twas time for him tooIle warrant him that: and he had stay'd by himI would not haue been so fiddious'dfor all the Chests in Cariolesand the Gold that's in them. Is the Senate possest of this?

Volum. Good Ladies let's goe. Yesyesyes: The Senate ha's Letters from the Generallwherein hee giues my Sonne the whole Name of the Warre: he hath in this action out-done his former deeds doubly

Valer. In troththere's wondrous things spoke of him

Menen. Wondrous: II warrant youand not without

his true purchasing

Virgil. The Gods graunt them true

Volum. True? pow waw

Mene. True? Ile be sworne they are true: where is hee woundedGod saue your good Worships? Martius is comming home: hee ha's more cause to be prowd: where is he wounded?

Volum. Ith' Shoulderand ith' left Arme: there will be large Cicatrices to shew the Peoplewhen hee shall stand for his place: he receiued in the repulse of Tarquin seuen hurts ith' Body

Volum. These are the Vshers of Martius: Before himhee carryes Noyse; And behinde himhee leaues Teares: Deaththat darke Spiritin's neruie Arme doth lyeWhich being aduanc'ddeclinesand then men dye.

A Sennet. Trumpets sound. Enter Cominius the Generalland Titus Latius: betweene them Coriolanuscrown'd with an Oaken Garlandwith Captaines and Souldiersand a Herauld.

Herauld. Know Romethat all alone Martius did fight Within Corioles Gates: where he hath wonneWith Famea Name to Martius Caius: These in honor followes Martius Caius Coriolanus. Welcome to Romerenowned Coriolanus.

Sound. Flourish.

All. Welcome to Romerenowned Coriolanus

Coriol. No more of thisit does offend my heart: pray now no more

Com. LookeSiryour Mother

Coriol. Oh! you haueI knowpetition'd all the Gods for my prosperitie.

Kneeles.

Volum. Naymy good Souldiervp: My gentle Martiusworthy CaiusAnd by deed-atchieuing Honor newly nam'dWhat is it (Coriolanus) must I call thee? But ohthy Wife

Volum. I know not where to turne. Oh welcome home: and welcome GenerallAnd y'are welcome all

Mene. A hundred thousand Welcomes: I could weepeand I could laughI am lightand heauie; welcome: A Curse begin at very root on's heartThat is not glad to see thee. You are threethat Rome should dote on: Yet by the faith of menwe haue Some old Crab-trees here at homeThat will not be grafted to your Rallish. Yet welcome Warriors: Wee call a Nettlebut a Nettle; And the faults of foolesbut folly

Com. Euer right

Cor. Meneniuseuereuer

Herauld. Giue way thereand goe on

Cor. Your Handand yours? Ere in our owne house I doe shade my HeadThe good Patricians must be visitedFrom whom I haue receiu'd not onely greetingsBut with themchange of Honors

Cor. Knowgood MotherI had rather be their seruant in my wayThen sway with them in theirs

Com. Onto the Capitall. Flourish. Cornets.

Exeunt. in Stateas before.

Enter Brutus and Scicinius

Bru. All tongues speake of himand the bleared sights Are spectacled to see him. Your pratling Nurse Into a rapture lets her Baby crieWhile she chats him: the Kitchin Malkin pinnes Her richest Lockram 'bout her reechie neckeClambring the Walls to eye him: StallsBulkesWindowesare smother'd vp

Leades fill'dand Ridges hors'd With variable Complexions; all agreeing In earnestnesse to see him: seld-showne Flamins Doe presse among the popular Throngsand puffe To winne a vulgar station: our veyl'd Dames Commit the Warre of White and Damaske In their nicely gawded Cheekestoth' wanton spoyle Of Phoebus burning Kisses: such a pootherAs if that whatsoeuer Godwho leades himWere slyly crept into his humane powersAnd gaue him gracefull posture

Scicin. On the suddaineI warrant him Consull

Brutus. Then our Office mayduring his powergoe sleepe

Scicin. He cannot temp'rately transport his HonorsFrom where he should beginand endbut will Lose those he hath wonne

Brutus. In that there's comfort

Scici. Doubt notThe Commonersfor whom we standbut they Vpon their ancient mallicewill forget With the least causethese his new HonorsWhich that he will giue themmake I as little questionAs he is prowd to doo't

Brutus. I heard him sweareWere he to stand for Consullneuer would he Appeare i'th' Market placenor on him put The Naples Vesture of HumilitieNor shewing (as the manner is) his Wounds Toth' Peoplebegge their stinking Breaths

Scicin. 'Tis right

Brutus. It was his word: Oh he would misse itrather then carry itBut by the suite of the Gentry to himAnd the desire of the Nobles

Scicin. I wish no betterthen haue him hold that purposeand to put it in execution

Brutus. 'Tis most like he will

Scicin. It shall be to him thenas our good wills; a sure destruction

Brutus. So it must fall out To himor our Authoritiesfor an end. We must suggest the Peoplein what hatred He still hath held them: that to's power he would Haue made them Mulessilenc'd their PleadersAnd dispropertied their Freedomes; holding themIn humane Actionand CapacitieOf no more Soulenor fitnesse for the WorldThen Cammels in their Warrewho haue their Prouand Onely for bearing Burthensand sore blowes For sinking vnder them

Scicin. This (as you say) suggestedAt some timewhen his soaring Insolence Shall teach the Peoplewhich time shall not wantIf he be put vpon'tand that's as easieAs to set Dogges on Sheepewill be his fire To kindle their dry Stubble: and their Blaze Shall darken him for euer. Enter a Messenger.

Brutus. What's the matter?

Mess. You are sent for to the Capitoll: 'Tis thoughtthat Martius shall be Consull: I haue seene the dumbe men throng to see himAnd the blind to heare him speak: Matrons flong GlouesLadies and Maids their Scarffesand HandkerchersVpon him as he pass'd: the Nobles bended As to Ioues Statueand the Commons made A Showerand Thunderwith their Capsand Showts: I neuer saw the like

Brutus. Let's to the CapitollAnd carry with vs Eares and Eyes for th' timeBut Hearts for the euent

Scicin. Haue with you.

Exeunt.

Enter two Officersto lay Cushionsas it werein the Capitoll.

1.Off. Comecomethey are almost here: how many stand for Consulships? 2.Off. Threethey say: but 'tis thought of euery oneCoriolanus will carry it

1.Off. That's a braue fellow: but hee's vengeance prowdand loues not the common people

2.Off. 'Faiththere hath beene many great men that haue flatter'd the peoplewho ne're loued them; and there be many that they haue louedthey know not wherefore: so that if they loue they know not whythey hate vpon no better a ground. Thereforefor Coriolanus neyther to care whether they loueor hate himmanifests the true knowledge he ha's in their dispositionand out of his Noble carelesnesse lets them plainely see't

1.Off. If he did not care whether he had their loueor nohee waued indifferently'twixt doing them neyther goodnor harme: but hee seekes their hate with greater deuotionthen they can render it him; and leaues nothing vndonethat may fully discouer him their opposite. Now to seeme to affect the mallice and displeasure of the Peopleis as badas that which he dislikesto flatter them for their loue

2.Off. Hee hath deserued worthily of his Countreyand his assent is not by such easie degrees as thosewho hauing beene supple and courteous to the PeopleBonnettedwithout any further deedto haue them at all into their estimationand report: but hee hath so planted his Honors in their Eyesand his actions in their Heartsthat for their Tongues to be silentand not confesse so muchwere a kinde of ingratefull Iniurie: to report otherwise

were a Mallicethat giuing it selfe the Lyewould plucke reproofe and rebuke from euery Eare that heard it

1.Off. No more of himhee's a worthy man: make waythey are comming.

A Sennet. Enter the Patriciansand the Tribunes of the PeopleLictorsbefore them: CoriolanusMeneniusCominius the Consul:Scicinius andBrutus take their places by themselues: Coriolanus stands.

Menen. Hauing determin'd of the VolcesAnd to send for Titus Lartius: it remainesAs the maine Point of this our after-meetingTo gratifie his Noble seruicethat hath Thus stood for his Countrey. Therefore please youMost reuerend and graue Eldersto desire The present Consulland last GenerallIn our well-found Successesto report A little of that worthy Workeperform'd By Martius Caius Coriolanus: whom We met hereboth to thankeand to rememberWith Honors like himselfe

1.Sen. Speakegood Cominius: Leaue nothing out for lengthand make vs thinke Rather our states defectiue for requitallThen we to stretch it out. Masters a'th' PeopleWe doe request your kindest eares: and after Your louing motion toward the common BodyTo yeeld what passes here

Scicin. We are conuented vpon a pleasing Treatieand haue hearts inclinable to honor and aduance the Theame of our Assembly

Brutus. Which the rather wee shall be blest to doeif he remember a kinder value of the Peoplethen he hath hereto priz'd them at

Menen. That's offthat's off: I would you rather had been silent: Please you to heare Cominius speake? Brutus. Most willingly: but yet my Caution was more pertinent then the rebuke you giue it

Menen. He loues your Peoplebut tye him not to be their Bed-fellow: Worthie Cominius speake.

Coriolanus risesand offers to goe away.

Naykeepe your place

Senat. Sit Coriolanus: neuer shame to heare What you haue Nobly done

Coriol. Your Honors pardon: I had rather haue my Wounds to heale againeThen heare say how I got them

Corio. I had rather haue one scratch my Head i'th' SunWhen the Alarum were struckethen idly sit To heare my Nothings monster'd. Exit Coriolanus

Menen. Masters of the PeopleYour multiplying Spawnehow can he flatter? That's thousand to one good onewhen you now see He had rather venture all his Limbes for HonorThen on ones Eares to heare it. Proceed Cominius

Com. I shall lacke voyce: the deeds of Coriolanus Should not be vtter'd feebly: it is heldThat Valour is the chiefest VertueAnd most dignifies the hauer: if it beThe man I speake ofcannot in the World Be singly counter-poys'd. At sixteene yeeresWhen Tarquin made a Head for Romehe fought Beyond the marke of others: our then DictatorWhom with all prayse I point atsaw him fightWhen with his Amazonian Shinne he droue The brizled Lippes before him: he bestrid An o're-prest Romanand i'th' Consuls view Slew three Opposers: Tarquins selfe he metAnd strucke him on his Knee: in that dayes featesWhen he might act the Woman in the SceneHe prou'd best man i'th' fieldand for his meed Was Brow-bound with the Oake. His Pupill age Man-entred thushe waxed like a SeaAnd in the brunt of seuenteene Battailes sinceHe lurcht all Swords of the Garland: for this lastBeforeand in Corioleslet me say I cannot speake him home: he stopt the flyersAnd by his rare example made the Coward Turne terror into sport: as Weeds before A Vessell vnder sayleso men obey'dAnd fell below his Stem: his SwordDeaths stampeWhere it did markeit tooke from face to foot: He was a thing of Bloodwhose euery motion Was tim'd with dying Cryes: alone he entred The mortall Gate of th' Citiewhich he painted With shunlesse destinie: aydelesse came offAnd with a sudden re-inforcement strucke Carioles like a Planet: now all's hisWhen by and by the dinne of Warre gan pierce His readie sence: then straight his doubled spirit Requickned what in flesh was fatigateAnd to the Battaile came hewhere he did Runne reeking o're the liues of menas if 'twere A perpetuall spoyle: and till we call'd Both Field and Citie ourshe neuer stood To ease his Brest with panting

Menen. Worthy man

Senat. He cannot but with measure fit the Honors which we deuise him

Com. Our spoyles he kickt atAnd look'd vpon things preciousas they were The common Muck of the World: he couets lesse

Then Miserie it selfe would giuerewards his deeds With doing themand is content To spend the timeto end it

Menen. Hee's right Noblelet him be call'd for

Senat. Call Coriolanus

Off. He doth appeare. Enter Coriolanus.

Menen. The SenateCoriolanusare well pleas'd to make thee Consull

Corio. I doe owe them still my Lifeand Seruices

Menen. It then remainesthat you doe speake to the People

Corio. I doe beseech youLet me o're-leape that custome: for I cannot Put on the Gownestand nakedand entreat them For my Wounds saketo giue their sufferage: Please you that I may passe this doing

Scicin. Sirthe People must haue their VoycesNeyther will they bate one iot of Ceremonie

Menen. Put them not too't: Pray you goe fit you to the CustomeAnd take to youas your Predecessors haueYour Honor with your forme

Corio. It is a part that I shall blush in actingAnd might well be taken from the People

Brutus. Marke you that

Corio. To brag vnto themthus I didand thus Shew them th' vnaking Skarreswhich I should hideAs if I had receiu'd them for the hyre Of their breath onely

Menen. Doe not stand vpon't: We recommend to you Tribunes of the People Our purpose to themand to our Noble Consull Wish we all Ioyand Honor

Senat. To Coriolanus come all ioy and Honor. Flourish Cornets. Then Exeunt. Manet Sicinius and Brutus.

Bru. You see how he intends to vse the people

Scicin. May they perceiue's intent: he wil require them As if he did contemne what he requestedShould be in them to giue

3.Cit. We haue power in our selues to do itbut it is a power that we haue no power to do: Forif hee shew vs his woundsand tell vs his deedswe are to put our tongues into those woundsand speake for them: So if he tel vs his Noble deedswe must also tell him our Noble acceptance of them. Ingratitude is monstrousand for the multitude to be ingratefullwere to make a Monster of the multitude; of the whichwe being membersshould bring our selues to be monstrous members

1.Cit. And to make vs no better thought of a little helpe will serue: for once we stood vp about the Cornehe himselfe stucke not to call vs the many-headed Multitude

3.Cit. We haue beene call'd so of manynot that our heads are some brownesome blackesome Abramsome bald; but that our wits are so diuersly Coulord; and truely I thinkeif all our wittes were to issue out of one Scullthey would flye EastWestNorthSouthand their consent of one direct wayshould be at once to all the points a'th Compasse

2.Cit. Thinke you so? Which way do you iudge my wit would flye

3.Cit. Nay your wit will not so soone out as another mans will'tis strongly wadg'd vp in a blocke-head: but if it were at liberty'twould sure Southward

2 Cit. Why that way?

3 Cit. To loose it selfe in a Foggewhere being three parts melted away with rotten Dewesthe fourth would returne for Conscience saketo helpe to get thee a Wife

2 Cit. You are neuer without your trickesyou mayyou may

3 Cit. Are you all resolu'd to giue your voyces? But that's no matterthe greater part carries itI say. If hee would incline to the peoplethere was neuer a worthier man. Enter Coriolanus in a gowne of Humilitywith Menenius.

Heere he comesand in the Gowne of humilitymarke his behauiour: we are not to stay altogetherbut to come by him where he standsby onesby twoes& by threes. He's to make his requests by particularswherein euerie one of vs ha's a single Honorin giuing him our own voices with our owne tonguestherefore follow meand Ile direct you how you shall go by him

All. Contentcontent

Men. Oh Siryou are not right: haue you not knowne The worthiest men haue done't?

Corio. What must I sayI pray Sir? Plague vpon'tI cannot bring My tongue to such a pace. Looke Sirmy woundsI got them in my Countries Seruicewhen Some certaine of your Brethren roar'dand ranne From th' noise of our owne Drummes

Menen. Oh me the Godsyou must not speak of thatYou must desire them to thinke vpon you

Coriol. Thinke vpon me? Hang 'emI would they would forget melike the Vertues Which our Diuines lose by em

1. You haue bin a scourge to her enemiesyou haue bin a Rod to her Friendsyou haue not indeede loued the

Common people

Coriol. You should account mee the more Vertuousthat I haue not bin common in my LoueI will sir flatter my sworne Brother the people to earne a deerer estimation of them'tis a condition they account gentle: & since the wisedome of their choiceis rather to haue my Hatthen my HeartI will practice the insinuating nodand be off to them most counterfetlythat is sirI will counterfet the bewitchment of some popular manand giue it bountifull to the desirers: Therefore beseech youI may be Consull

2. Wee hope to finde you our friend: and therefore giue you our voices heartily 1. You haue receyued many wounds for your Countrey Coriol. I wil not Seale your knowledge with shewing them. I will make much of your voycesand so trouble you no farther

Both. The Gods giue you ioy Sir heartily

Coriol. Most sweet Voyces: Better it is to dyebetter to sterueThen craue the higherwhich first we do deserue. Why in this Wooluish tongue should I stand heereTo begge of Hob and Dickethat does appeere Their needlesse Vouches: Custome calls me too't. What Custome wills in all thingsshould we doo't? The Dust on antique Time would lye vnsweptAnd mountainous Error be too highly heaptFor Truth to o're-peere. Rather then foole it soLet the high Office and the Honor go To one that would doe thus. I am halfe throughThe one part sufferedthe other will I doe. Enter three Citizens more.

3.Cit. Hee said hee had WoundsWhich he could shew in priuate: And with his Hatthus wauing it in scorneI would be Consullsayes he: aged CustomeBut by your Voyceswill not so permit me. Your Voyces therefore: when we graunted thatHere wasI thanke you for your Voycesthanke you Your most sweet Voyces: now you haue left your VoycesI haue no further with you. Was not this mockerie?

Brut. Could you not haue told himAs you were lesson'd: When he had no PowerBut was a pettie seruant to the StateHe was your Enemieeuer spake against Your Libertiesand the Charters that you beare

I'th' Body of the Weale: and now arriuing A place of Potencieand sway o'th' StateIf he should still malignantly remaine Fast Foe toth' Plebeijyour Voyces might Be Curses to your selues. You should haue saidThat as his worthy deeds did clayme no lesse Then what he stood for: so his gracious nature Would thinke vpon youfor your VoycesAnd translate his Mallice towards youinto LoueStanding your friendly Lord

Scicin. Thus to haue saidAs you were fore-aduis'dhad toucht his SpiritAnd try'd his Inclination: from him pluckt Eyther his gracious Promisewhich you might As cause had call'd you vphaue held him to; Or else it would haue gall'd his surly natureWhich easily endures not ArticleTying him to oughtso putting him to RageYou should haue ta'ne th' aduantage of his ChollerAnd pass'd him vnelected

Brut. Did you perceiueHe did sollicite you in free ContemptWhen he did need your Loues: and doe you thinkeThat his Contempt shall not be brusing to youWhen he hath power to crush? Whyhad your Bodyes No Heart among you? Or had you Tonguesto cry Against the Rectorship of Iudgement?

Scicin. Haue youere nowdeny'd the asker: And now againeof him that did not askebut mockBestow your su'd-for Tongues?

3.Cit. Hee's not confirm'dwe may deny him yet

2.Cit. And will deny him: Ile haue fiue hundred Voyces of that sound

1.Cit. I twice fiue hundred& their friendsto piece 'em

Brut. Get you hence instantlyand tell those friendsThey haue chose a Consullthat will from them take Their Libertiesmake them of no more Voyce Then Doggesthat are as often beat for barkingAs therefore kept to doe so

Scici. Let them assemble: and on a safer IudgementAll reuoke your ignorant election: Enforce his PrideAnd his old Hate vnto you: besidesforget not With what Contempt he wore the humble WeedHow in his Suit he scorn'd you: but your LouesThinking vpon his Seruicestooke from you Th' apprehension of his present portanceWhich most gibinglyvngrauelyhe did fashion After the inueterate Hate he beares you

Brut. Lay a fault on vsyour TribunesThat we labour'd (no impediment betweene) But that you must cast your Election on him

Scici. Say you chose himmore after our commandmentThen as guided by your owne true affectionsand that Your Minds pre-occupy'd with what you rather must doThen what you shouldmade you against the graine To Voyce him Consull. Lay the fault on vs

Brut. Ispare vs not: Saywe read Lectures to youHow youngly he began to serue his CountreyHow long continuedand what stock he springs ofThe Noble House o'th'Martians: from whence came That Ancus MartiusNumaes Daughters Sonne: Who after great Hostilius here was KingOf the same House Publius and Quintus wereThat our best Waterbrought by Conduits hitherAnd Nobly nam'dso twice being CensorWas his great Ancestor

Scicin. One thus descendedThat hath beside well in his person wroughtTo be set high in placewe did commend To your remembrances: but you haue foundSkaling his present bearing with his pastThat hee's your fixed enemie; and reuoke Your suddaine approbation

Brut. Say you ne're had don't(Harpe on that still) but by our putting on: And presentlywhen you haue drawne your numberRepaire toth' Capitoll

All. We will so: almost all repent in their election.

Exeunt. Plebeians.

Brut. Let them goe on: This Mutinie were better put in hazardThen stay past doubtfor greater: Ifas his nature ishe fall in rage With their refusallboth obserue and answer The vantage of his anger

Scicin. Toth' Capitollcome: We will be there before the streame o'th' People: And this shall seemeas partly 'tistheir owneWhich we haue goaded on-ward.

Latius. He hadmy Lordand that it was which caus'd Our swifter Composition

Corio. So then the Volces stand but as at firstReadie when time shall prompt themto make roade Vpon's againe

Com. They are worne (Lord Consull) soThat we shall hardly in our ages see Their Banners waue againe

Corio. Saw you Auffidius?

Latius. On safegard he came to meand did curse Against the Volcesfor they had so vildly Yeelded the Towne: he is retyred to Antium

Corio. Spoke he of me? Latius. He didmy Lord

Corio. How? what?

Latius. How often he had met you Sword to Sword: That of all things vpon the Earthhe hated Your person most: That he would pawne his fortunes To hopelesse restitutionso he might Be call'd your Vanquisher

Corio. At Antium liues he? Latius. At Antium

Corio. I wish I had a cause to seeke him thereTo oppose his hatred fully. Welcome home. Enter Scicinius and Brutus.

Beholdthese are the Tribunes of the PeopleThe Tongues o'th' Common Mouth. I do despise them:For they doe pranke them in AuthoritieAgainst all Noble sufferance

Scicin. Passe no further

Cor. Hah? what is that? Brut. It will be dangerous to goe on- No further

Corio. What makes this change? Menen. The matter? Com. Hath he not pass'd the Nobleand the Common? Brut. Cominiusno

Corio. Are these your Heard? Must these haue Voycesthat can yeeld them nowAnd straight disclaim their toungs? what are your Offices? You being their Moutheswhy rule you not their Teeth? Haue you not set them on?

Mene. Be calmebe calme

Corio. It is a purpos'd thingand growes by PlotTo curbe the will of the Nobilitie: Suffer'tand liue with such as cannot ruleNor euer will be ruled

Brut. Call't not a Plot: The People cry you mockt them: and of lateWhen Corne was giuen them gratisyou repin'dScandal'd the Suppliants: for the Peoplecall'd them Time-pleasersflatterersfoes to Noblenesse

Corio. Why this was knowne before

Brut. Not to them all

Corio. Haue you inform'd them sithence? Brut. How? I informe them? Com. You are like to doe such businesse

Brut. Not vnlike each way to better yours

Corio. Why then should I be Consull? by yond Clouds Let me deserue so ill as youand make me Your fellow Tribune

Scicin. You shew too much of thatFor which the People stirre: if you will passe To where you are boundyou must enquire your wayWhich you are out ofwith a gentler spiritOr neuer be so Noble as a ConsullNor yoake with him for Tribune

Mene. Let's be calme

Com. The People are abus'd: set onthis paltring Becomes not Rome: nor ha's Coriolanus Deseru'd this so dishonor'd Rublayd falsely I'th' plaine Way of his Merit

Corio. Tell me of Corne: this was my speechAnd I will speak't againe

Mene. Not nownot now

Senat. Not in this heatSirnow

Corio. Now as I liueI will. My Nobler friendsI craue their pardons: For the mutable ranke-sented MeynieLet them regard meas I doe not flatterAnd therein behold themselues: I say againeIn soothing themwe nourish 'gainst our Senate The Cockle of RebellionInsolenceSeditionWhich we our selues haue plowed forsow'd& scatter'dBy mingling them with vsthe honor'd NumberWho lack not Vertuenonor Powerbut that Which they haue giuen to Beggers

Mene. Wellno more

Senat. No more wordswe beseech you

Corio. How? no more? As for my CountryI haue shed my bloodNot fearing outward force: So shall my Lungs Coine words till their decayagainst those Meazels Which we disdaine should Tetter vsyet sought The very way to catch them

Bru. You speake a'th' peopleas if you were a GodTo punish; Not a manof their Infirmity

Sicin. 'Twere well we let the people know't

Mene. Whatwhat? His Choller? Cor. Choller? Were I as patient as the midnight sleepBy Ioue'twould be my minde

Sicin. It is a minde that shall remain a poison Where it is: not poyson any further

Corio. Shall remaine? Heare you this Triton of the Minnoues? Marke you His absolute Shall?

Com. 'Twas from the Cannon

Cor. Shall? O God! but most vnwise Patricians: why You grauebut wreaklesse Senatorshaue you thus Giuen Hidra heere to choose an OfficerThat with his peremptory Shallbeing but The horneand noise o'th' Monsterswants not spirit To sayhee'l turne your Current in a ditchAnd make your Channell his? If he haue powerThen vale your Ignorance: If noneawake Your dangerous Lenity: If you are Learn'dBe not as common Fooles; if you are notLet them haue Cushions by you. You are PlebeiansIf they be Senators: and they are no lesseWhen both your voices blendedthe great'st taste Most pallates theirs. They choose their MagistrateAnd such a one as hewho puts his ShallHis popular Shallagainst a grauer Bench Then euer frown'd in Greece. By Ioue himselfeIt makes the Consuls base; and my Soule akes To knowwhen two Authorities are vpNeither Supreame; How soone Confusion May enter 'twixt the gap of Bothand take The one by th' other

Cor. Thogh there the people had more absolute powre I say they norisht disobedience: fedthe ruin of the State

Bru. Why shall the people giue One that speakes thustheir voyce?

Corio. Ile giue my ReasonsMore worthier then their Voyces. They know the Corne Was not our recompenceresting well assur'd They ne're did seruice for't; being prest to'th' WarreEuen when the Nauell of the State was touch'dThey would not thred the Gates: This kinde of Seruice Did not deserue Corne gratis. Being i'th' WarreThere Mutinies and Reuoltswherein they shew'd Most Valour spoke not for them. Th' Accusation Which they haue often made against the SenateAll cause vnbornecould neuer be the Natiue Of our so franke Donation. Wellwhat then? How shall this Bosome-multiplieddigest The Senates Courtesie? Let deeds expresse What's like to be their wordsWe did request itWe are the greater poleand in true feare They gaue vs our demands. Thus we debase The Nature of our Seatsand make the Rabble Call our CaresFeares; which will in time Breake ope the Lockes a'th' Senateand bring in

The Crowes to pecke the Eagles

Mene. Come enough

Bru. Enoughwith ouer measure

Corio. Notake more. What may be sworne byboth Diuine and HumaneSeale what I end withall. This double worshipWhereon part do's disdaine with causethe other Insult without all reason: where GentryTitlewisedom Cannot concludebut by the yea and no Of generall Ignoranceit must omit Reall Necessitiesand giue way the while To vnstable Slightnesse. Purpose so barr'dit followesNothing is done to purpose. Therefore beseech youYou that will be lesse fearefullthen discreetThat loue the Fundamentall part of State More then you doubt the change on't: That preferre A Noble lifebefore a Longand WishTo iumpe a Body with a dangerous PhysickeThat's sure of death without it: at once plucke out The Multitudinous Tonguelet them not licke The sweet which is their poyson. Your dishonor Mangles true iudgementand bereaues the State Of that Integrity which should becom't: Not hauing the power to do the good it would For th' ill which doth controul't

Bru. Has said enough

Sicin. Ha's spoken like a Traitorand shall answer As Traitors do

Corio. Thou wretchdespight ore-whelme thee: What should the people do with these bald Tribunes? On whom dependingtheir obedience failes To'th' greater Benchin a Rebellion: When what's not meetbut what must bewas LawThen were they chosen: in a better houreLet what is meetbe saide it must be meetAnd throw their power i'th' dust

Mene. I would they were Barbariansas they areThough in Rome litter'd: not Romansas they are notThough calued i'th' Porch o'th' Capitoll: Be goneput not your worthy Rage into your TongueOne time will owe another

Corio. On faire groundI could beat fortie of them

Mene. I could my selfe take vp a Brace o'th' best of themyeathe two Tribunes

Com. But now 'tis oddes beyond ArithmetickAnd Manhood is call'd Fooleriewhen it stands Against a falling Fabrick. Will you henceBefore the Tagge returne? whose Rage doth rend Like interrupted Watersand o're-beare What they are vs'd to beare

Mene. Pray you be gone: Ile trie whether my old Wit be in request With those that haue but little: this must be patcht With Cloth of any Colour

Com. Naycome away.

Exeunt. Coriolanus and Cominius.

Patri. This man ha's marr'd his fortune

Mene. His nature is too noble for the World: He would not flatter Neptune for his TridentOr Iouefor's power to Thunder: his Heart's his Mouth: What his Brest forgesthat his Tongue must ventAnd being angrydoes forget that euer He heard the Name of Death.

A Noise within.

Here's goodly worke

Patri. I would they were a bed

Mene. I would they were in Tyber. What the vengeancecould he not speake 'em faire? Enter Brutus and Sicinius with the rabble againe.

Sicin. Where is this ViperThat would depopulate the city& be euery man himself Mene. You worthy Tribunes

Sicin. He shall be throwne downe the Tarpeian rock With rigorous hands: he hath resisted LawAnd therefore Law shall scorne him further Triall Then the seuerity of the publike PowerWhich he so sets at naught

1 Cit. He shall well know the Noble Tribunes are The peoples mouthsand we their hands

All. He shall sure ont

Mene. Sirsir

Sicin. Peace

Me. Do not cry hauockewhere you shold but hunt With modest warrant

Sicin. Sirhow com'st that you haue holpe To make this rescue? Mene. Heere me speake? As I do know

The Consuls worthinesseso can I name his Faults

Sicin. Consull? what Consull? Mene. The Consull Coriolanus

Bru. He Consull

All. Nonononono

Mene. If by the Tribunes leaueAnd yours good peopleI may be heardI would craue a word or twoThe which shall turne you to no further harmeThen so much losse of time

Sic. Speake breefely thenFor we are peremptory to dispatch This Viporous Traitor: to eiect him hence Were but one dangerand to keepe him heere Our certaine death: therefore it is decreedHe dyes to night

Menen. Now the good Gods forbidThat our renowned Romewhose gratitude Towards her deserued Childrenis enroll'd In Ioues owne Bookelike an vnnaturall Dam Should now eate vp her owne

Sicin. He's a Disease that must be cut away

Mene. Oh he's a Limbethat ha's but a Disease Mortallto cut it off: to cure iteasie. What ha's he done to Romethat's worthy death? Killing our Enemiesthe blood he hath lost (Which I dare vouchis more then that he hath By many an Ounce) he dropp'd it for his Country: And what is leftto loose it by his CountreyWere to vs all that doo'tand suffer it A brand to th' end a'th World

Sicin. This is cleane kamme

Brut. Meerely awry: When he did loue his Countryit honour'd him

Menen. The seruice of the foote Being once gangren'dis not then respected For what before it was

Bru. Wee'l heare no more: Pursue him to his houseand plucke him thenceLeast his infection being of catching natureSpred further

Brut. If it were so? Sicin. What do ye talke? Haue we not had a taste of his Obedience?

Our Ediles smot: our selues resisted: come

Mene. Consider this: He ha's bin bred i'th' Warres Since a could draw a Swordand is ill-school'd In boulted Language: Meale and Bran together He throwes without distinction. Giue me leaueIle go to himand vndertake to bring him in peaceWhere he shall answer by a lawfull Forme (In peace) to his vtmost perill

1.Sen. Noble TribunesIt is the humane way: the other course Will proue to bloody: and the end of itVnknowne to the Beginning

Sic. Noble Meneniusbe you then as the peoples officer: Masterslay downe your Weapons

Bru. Go not home

Sic. Meet on the Market place: wee'l attend you there: Where if you bring not Martiuswee'l proceede In our first way

Menen. Ile bring him to you. Let me desire your company: he must comeOr what is worst will follow

Sena. Pray you let's to him.

Exeunt. Omnes.

Enter Coriolanus with Nobles.

Corio. Let them pull all about mine earespresent me Death on the Wheeleor at wilde Horses heelesOr pile ten hilles on the Tarpeian RockeThat the precipitation might downe stretch Below the beame of sight; yet will I still Be thus to them. Enter Volumnia.

Noble. You do the Nobler

Corio. I muse my Mother Do's not approue me furtherwho was wont To call them Wollen Vassailesthings created To buy and sell with Groatsto shew bare heads In Congregationsto yawnebe stilland wonderWhen one but of my ordinance stood vp To speake of Peaceor Warre. I talke of youWhy did you wish me milder? Would you haue me False to my Nature? Rather sayI play The man I am

Volum. Oh sirsirsirI would haue had you put your power well on Before you had worne it out

Corio. Let go

Vol. You might haue beene enough the man you areWith striuing lesse to be so: Lesser had bin The things of your dispositionsif

You had not shew'd them how ye were dispos'd Ere they lack'd power to crosse you

Sen. There's no remedyVnlesse by not so doingour good Citie Cleaue in the midd'stand perish

Volum. Pray be counsail'd; I haue a heart as little apt as yoursBut yet a brainethat leades my vse of Anger To better vantage

Mene. Well saidNoble woman: Before he should thus stoope to'th' heartbut that The violent fit a'th' time craues it as Physicke For the whole State; I would put mine Armour onWhich I can scarsely beare

Corio. What must I do? Mene. Returne to th' Tribunes

Corio. Wellwhat then? what then? Mene. Repentwhat you haue spoke

Corio. For themI cannot do it to the GodsMust I then doo't to them?

Volum. You are too absoluteThough therein you can neuer be too NobleBut when extremities speake. I haue heard you sayHonor and Policylike vnseuer'd FriendsI'th' Warre do grow together: Grant thatand tell me In Peacewhat each of them by th' other looseThat they combine not there?

Corio. Tushtush

Mene. A good demand

Volum. If it be Honor in your Warresto seeme The same you are notwhich for your best ends You adopt your policy: How is it lesse or worse That it shall hold Companionship in Peace With Honouras in Warre; since that to both It stands in like request

Corio. Why force you this?

Volum. Becausethat Now it lyes you on to speake to th' people: Not by your owne instructionnor by'th' matter Which your heart prompts youbut with such words That are but roated in your Tongue; Though but Bastardsand Syllables Of no allowanceto your bosomes truth. Nowthis no more dishonors you at allThen to take in a Towne with gentle wordsWhich else would put you to your fortuneand The hazard of much blood.

I would dissemble with my Naturewhere My Fortunes and my Friends at stakerequir'd I should do so in Honor. I am in this Your Wifeyour Sonne: These Senatorsthe NoblesAnd youwill rather shew our generall LowtsHow you can frownethen spend a fawne vpon 'emFor the inheritance of their louesand safegard Of what that want might ruine

Menen. Noble LadyCome goe with vsspeake faire: you may salue soNot what is dangerous presentbut the losse Of what is past

Volum. I prythee nowmy SonneGoe to themwith this Bonnet in thy handAnd thus farre hauing stretcht it (here be with them) Thy Knee bussing the stones: for in such businesse Action is eloquenceand the eyes of th' ignorant More learned then the eareswauing thy headWhich often thus correcting thy stout heartNow humble as the ripest MulberryThat will not hold the handling: or say to themThou art their Souldierand being bred in broylesHast not the soft waywhich thou do'st confesse Were fit for thee to vseas they to claymeIn asking their good louesbut thou wilt frame Thy selfe (forsooth) hereafter theirs so farreAs thou hast power and person

Menen. This but doneEuen as she speakeswhy their hearts were yours: For they haue Pardonsbeing ask'das freeAs words to little purpose

Volum. Prythee nowGoeand be rul'd: although I know thou hadst rather Follow thine Enemie in a fierie GulfeThen flatter him in a Bower. Enter Cominius.

Corio. Must I goe shew them my vnbarb'd Sconce? Must I with my base Tongue giue to my Noble Heart A Lyethat it must beare well? I will doo't: Yet were there but this single Plotto loose This Mould of Martiusthey to dust should grinde itAnd throw't against the Winde. Toth' Market place: You haue put me now to such a partwhich neuer I shall discharge toth' Life

Com. Comecomewee'le prompt you

Volum. I prythee now sweet Sonas thou hast said My praises made thee first a Souldier; so To haue my praise for thisperforme a part Thou hast not done before

Corio. WellI must doo't: Away my dispositionand possesse me Some Harlots spirit: My throat of Warre be turn'dWhich quier'd with my Drumme into a PipeSmall as an Eunuchor the Virgin voyce That Babies lull a-sleepe: The smiles of Knaues Tent in my cheekesand Schoole-boyes Teares take vp The Glasses of my sight: A Beggars Tongue Make motion through my Lipsand my Arm'd knees Who bow'd but in my Stirropbend like his That hath receiu'd an Almes. I will not doo'tLeast I surcease to honor mine owne truthAnd by my Bodies actionteach my Minde A most inherent Basenesse

Volum. At thy choice then: To begge of theeit is my more dis-honorThen thou of them. Come all to ruinelet Thy Mother rather feele thy Pridethen feare Thy dangerous Stoutnesse: for I mocke at death With as bigge heart as thou. Do as thou listThy Valiantnesse was minethou suck'st it from me: But owe thy Pride thy selfe

Corio. Pray be content: MotherI am going to the Market place: Chide me no more. Ile Mountebanke their LouesCogge their Hearts from themand come home belou'd Of all the Trades in Rome. LookeI am going: Commend me to my WifeIle returne ConsullOr neuer trust to what my Tongue can do I'th way of Flattery further

Volum. Do your will.

Exit Volumnia

Com. Awaythe Tribunes do attend you: arm your self To answer mildely: for they are prepar'd With Accusationsas I heare more strong Then are vpon you yet

Corio. The word isMildely. Pray you let vs goLet them accuse me by inuention: I Will answer in mine Honor

Menen. Ibut mildely

Corio. Well mildely be it thenMildely.

Exeunt.

Enter Sicinius and Brutus.

Bru. In this point charge him homethat he affects Tyrannicall power: If he euade vs thereInforce him with his enuy to the people

And that the Spoile got on the Antiats Was ne're distributed. Whatwill he come? Enter an Edile.

Edile. Hee's comming

Bru. How accompanied? Edile. With old Meneniusand those Senators That alwayes fauour'd him

Sicin. Haue you a Catalogue Of all the Voices that we haue procur'dset downe by'th Pole? Edile. I haue: 'tis ready

Sicin. Haue you collected them by Tribes? Edile. I haue

Sicin. Assemble presently the people hither: And when they heare me sayit shall be soI'th' right and strength a'th' Commons: be it either For deathfor fineor Banishmentthen let them If I say Finecry Fine; if Deathcry DeathInsisting on the olde prerogatiue And power i'th Truth a'th Cause

Edile. I shall informe them

Bru. And when such time they haue begun to cryLet them not ceasebut with a dinne confus'd Inforce the present Execution Of what we chance to Sentence

Edi. Very well

Sicin. Make them be strongand ready for this hint When we shall hap to giu't them

Bru. Go about itPut him to Choller straitehe hath bene vs'd Euer to conquerand to haue his worth Of contradiction. Being once chafthe cannot Be rein'd againe to Temperancethen he speakes What's in his heartand that is there which lookes With vs to breake his necke. Enter CoriolanusMeneniusand Cominiuswith others.

Sicin. Wellheere he comes

Mene. CalmelyI do beseech you

Corio. Ias an Hostlerthat fourth poorest peece Will beare the Knaue by'th Volume: Th' honor'd Goddes Keepe Rome in safetyand the Chaires of Iustice Supplied with worthy menplant loue amongs Through our large Temples with y shewes of peace And not our streets with Warre

1 Sen. AmenAmen

Mene. A Noble wish. Enter the Edile with the Plebeians.

Sicin. Draw neere ye people

Edile. List to your Tribunes. Audience: Peace I say

Corio. First heare me speake

Both Tri. Wellsay: Peace hoe

Corio. Shall I be charg'd no further then this present? Must all determine heere?

Sicin. I do demandIf you submit you to the peoples voicesAllow their Officersand are content To suffer lawfull Censure for such faults As shall be prou'd vpon you

Mene. Consider further: That when he speakes not like a CitizenYou finde him like a Soldier: do not take His rougher Actions for malicious sounds: But as I saysuch as become a SoldierRather then enuy you

Com. Wellwellno more

Corio. What is the matterThat being past for Consull with full voyce: I am so dishonour'dthat the very houre You take it off againe

Sicin. Answer to vs

Corio. Say then: 'tis trueI ought so

Sicin. We charge youthat you haue contriu'd to take From Rome all season'd Officeand to winde Your selfe into a power tyrannicallFor which you are a Traitor to the people

Corio. How? Traytor? Mene. Nay temperately: your promise

Corio. The fires i'th' lowest hell. Fould in the people: Call me their Traitorthou iniurious Tribune. Within thine eyes sate twenty thousand deaths In thy hands clutcht: as many Millions in Thy lying tongueboth numbers. I would say Thou lyest vnto theewith a voice as freeAs I do pray the Gods

Sicin. Marke you this people? All. To'th' Rocketo'th' Rocke with him

Sicin. Peace: We neede not put new matter to his charge:

What you haue seene him doand heard him speake:Beating your Officerscursing your seluesOpposing Lawes with stroakesand heere defyingThose whose great power must try him.Euen this so criminalland in such capitall kindeDeserues th' extreamest death

Bru. But since he hath seru'd well for Rome

Corio. What do you prate of Seruice

Brut. I talke of thatthat know it

Corio. You? Mene. Is this the promise that you made your mother

Com. KnowI pray you

Corio. Ile know no further: Let them pronounce the steepe Tarpeian deathVagabond exileFleaingpent to linger But with a graine a dayI would not buy Their mercieat the price of one faire wordNor checke my Courage for what they can giueTo haue't with sayingGood morrow

Sicin. For that he ha's (As much as in him lies) from time to time Enui'd against the people; seeking meanes To plucke away their power: as now at lastGiuen Hostile strokesand that not in the presence Of dreaded Iusticebut on the Ministers That doth distribute it. In the name a'th' peopleAnd in the power of vs the Tribuneswee (Eu'n from this instant) banish him our Citie In perill of precipitation From off the Rocke Tarpeianneuer more To enter our Rome gates. I'th' Peoples nameI say it shall bee so

All. It shall be soit shall be so: let him away: Hee's banish'dand it shall be so

Your Husband so much swet. CominiusDroope notAdieu: Farewell my Wifemy MotherIle do well yet. Thou old and true MeneniusThy teares are salter then a yonger mansAnd venomous to thine eyes. My (sometime) GenerallI haue seene the Sterneand thou hast oft beheld Heart-hardning spectacles. Tell these sad womenTis fond to waile ineuitable strokesAs 'tis to laugh at 'em. My Motheryou wot well My hazards still haue beene your solaceand Beleeu't not lightlythough I go alone Like to a lonely Dragonthat his Fenne Makes fear'dand talk'd of more then seene: your Sonne Will or exceed the Commonor be caught With cautelous baits and practice

Volum. My first sonneWhether will thou go? Take good Cominius With thee awhile: Determine on some course More then a wilde expostureto each chance That starts i'th' way before thee

Corio. O the Gods!

Com. Ile follow thee a Monethdeuise with thee Where thou shalt restthat thou may'st heare of vsAnd we of thee. So if the time thrust forth A cause for thy Repealewe shall not send O're the vast worldto seeke a single manAnd loose aduantagewhich doth euer coole Ith' absence of the needer

Corio. Fare ye well: Thou hast yeares vpon theeand thou art too full Of the warres surfetsto go roue with one That's yet vnbruis'd: bring me but out at gate. Come my sweet wifemy deerest Motherand My Friends of Noble touch: when I am forthBid me farewelland smile. I pray you come: While I remaine aboue the groundyou shall Heare from me stilland neuer of me ought But what is like me formerly

Menen. That's worthily As any eare can heare. Comelet's not weepeIf I could shake off but one seuen yeeres From these old armes and leggesby the good Gods I'ld with theeeuery foot

Corio. Giue me thy handcome.

Exeunt.

Enter the two TribunesSiciniusand Brutuswith the Edile.

Sicin. Bid them all homehe's gone: & wee'l no furtherThe Nobility are vexedwhom we see haue sided In his behalfe

Brut. Now we haue shewne our powerLet vs seeme humbler after it is doneThen when it was a dooing

Sicin. Bid them home: say their great enemy is goneAnd theystand in their ancient strength

Sicin. What then? Virg. When then? Hee'ld make an end of thy posterity Volum. Bastardsand all.

Good manthe Wounds that he does beare for Rome! Menen. Comecomepeace

Sicin. I would he had continued to his Country As he beganand not vnknit himselfe The Noble knot he made

Bru. I would he had

Volum. I would he had? Twas thou incenst the rable. Catsthat can iudge as fitly of his worthAs I can of those Mysteries which heauen Will not haue earth to know

Brut. Pray let's go

Volum. Now pray sir get you gone. You haue done a braue deede: Ere you goheare this: As farre as doth the Capitoll exceede The meanest house in Rome; so farre my Sonne This Ladies Husband heere; this (do you see) Whom you haue banish'ddoes exceed you all

Bru. Wellwellwee'l leaue you

Sicin. Why stay we to be baited With one that wants her Wits.

Exit Tribunes.

Volum. Take my Prayers with you. I would the Gods had nothing else to doBut to confirme my Cursses. Could I meete 'em But once a dayit would vnclogge my heart Of what lyes heauy too't

Mene. You haue told them homeAnd by my troth you haue cause: you'l Sup with me

Rom. I know you well sirand you know mee: your name I thinke is Adrian

Volce. It is so sirtruly I haue forgot you

Rom. I am a Romanand my Seruices are as you areagainst 'em. Know you me yet

Volce. Nicanor: no

Rom. The same sir

Volce. You had more Beard when I last saw youbut your Fauour is well appear'd by your Tongue. What's the Newes in Rome: I haue a Note from the Volcean state to finde you out there. You haue well saued mee a dayes iourney

Rom. There hath beene in Rome straunge Insurrections: The peopleagainst the SenatoursPatriciansand Nobles

Vol. Hath bin; is it ended then? Our State thinks not sothey are in a most warlike preparation& hope to com vpon themin the heate of their diuision

Rom. The maine blaze of it is pastbut a small thing would make it flame againe. For the Nobles receyue so to heartthe Banishment of that worthy Coriolanusthat they are in a ripe aptnesseto take al power from the peopleand to plucke from them their Tribunes for euer. This lyes glowing I can tell youand is almost mature for the violent breaking out

Vol. Coriolanus Banisht? Rom. Banish'd sir

Vol. You will be welcome with this intelligence Nicanor

Rom. The day serues well for them now. I haue heard it saidethe fittest time to corrupt a mans Wifeis when

shee's falne out with her Husband. Your Noble Tullus Auffidius will appeare well in these Warreshis great Opposer Coriolanus being now in no request of his countrey

Volce. He cannot choose: I am most fortunatethus accidentally to encounter you. You haue ended my Businesseand I will merrily accompany you home

Rom. I shall betweene this and Suppertell you most strange things from Rome: all tending to the good of their Aduersaries. Haue you an Army ready say you?

Vol. A most Royall one: The Centurionsand their charges distinctly billetted already in th' entertainmentand to be on foot at an houres warning

Rom. I am ioyfull to heare of their readinesseand am the man I thinkethat shall set them in present Action. So sirheartily well metand most glad of your Company

Volce. You take my part from me sirI haue the most cause to be glad of yours

Rom. Welllet vs go together.

Exeunt.

Enter Coriolanus in meane Apparrelldisguisdand muffled.

Corio. A goodly City is this Antium. Citty'Tis I that made thy Widdowes: Many an heyre Of these faire Edifices fore my Warres Haue I heard groaneand drop: Then know me notLeast that thy Wiues with Spitsand Boyes with stones In puny Battell slay me. Saue you sir. Enter a Citizen.

Cit. And you

Corio. Direct meif it be your willwhere great Auffidius lies: Is he in Antium? Cit. He isand Feasts the Nobles of the Stateat his house this night

Corio. Which is his housebeseech you? Cit. This heere before you

Corio. Thanke you sirfarewell.

Exit Citizen

Oh Worldthy slippery turnes! Friends now fast swornWhose double bosomes seemes to weare one heartWhose Houreswhose Bedwhose Meale and ExerciseAre still together: who Twin (as 'twere) in LoueVnseparableshall within this houreOn a dissention of a Doitbreake outTo bitterest Enmity: So fellest FoesWhose Passionsand whose Plots haue broke their sleepTo take the one the otherby some chanceSome tricke not worth an Eggeshall grow deere friendsAnd inter-ioyne their yssues. So with meMy Birth-place haue Iand my loues vponThis Enemie Towne: Ile enterif he slay meHe does faire Iustice: if he giue me way

Ile do his Country Seruice.

Enter.

Musicke playes. Enter a Seruingman.

1 Ser. WineWineWine: What seruice is heere? I thinke our Fellowes are asleepe.

Enter another Seruingman.

2 Ser. Where's Cotus: my M[aster]. cals for him: Cotus.

Exit

Enter Coriolanus.

Corio. A goodly House: The Feast smels well: but I appeare not like a Guest. Enter the first Seruingman.

1 Ser. What would you haue Friend? whence are you? Here's no place for you: pray go to the doore?

Exit

Corio. I haue deseru'd no better entertainmentin being Coriolanus. Enter second Seruant.

2 Ser. Whence are you sir? Ha's the Porter his eyes in his headthat he giues entrance to such Companions? Pray get you out

To thee particularlyand to all the Volces Great hurt and Mischiefe: thereto witnesse may My Surname Coriolanus. The painfull SeruiceThe extreme Dangersand the droppes of Blood Shed for my thanklesse Countryare requitted: But with that Surnamea good memorie And witnesse of the Malice and Displeasure Which thou should'st beare meonly that name remains. The Cruelty and Enuy of the peoplePermitted by our dastard Nobleswho Haue all forsooke mehath deuour'd the rest:

And suffer'd me by th' voyce of Slaues to be Hoop'd out of Rome. Now this extremityHath brought me to thy Harthnot out of Hope (Mistake me not) to saue my life: for if I had fear'd deathof all the Men i'th' World I would haue voided thee. But in meere spight To be full quit of those my BanishersStand I before thee heere: Then if thou hast A heart of wreake in theethat wilt reuenge Thine owne particular wrongsand stop those maimes Of shame seene through thy Countryspeed thee straight And make my misery serue thy turne: So vse itThat my reuengefull Seruices may proue As Benefits to thee. For I will fight Against my Cankred Countreywith the Spleene Of all the vnder Fiends. But if so beThou dar'st not thisand that to proue more Fortunes Th'art tyr'dthen in a wordI also am Longer to liue most wearie: and present My throat to theeand to thy Ancient Malice: Which not to cutwould shew thee but a FooleSince I haue euer followed thee with hateDrawne Tunnes of Blood out of thy Countries brestAnd cannot liue but to thy shamevnlesse It be to do thee seruice

Auf. Oh MartiusMartius; Each word thou hast spokehath weeded from my heart A roote of Ancient Enuy. If Iupiter Should from yond clowd speake diuine thingsAnd say 'tis true; I'de not beleeue them more Then thee all-Noble Martius. Let me twine Mine armes about that bodywhere against My grained Ash an hundred times hath brokeAnd scarr'd the Moone with splinters: heere I cleep The Anuile of my Swordand do contest As hotlyand as Nobly with thy LoueAs euer in Ambitious strengthI did Contend against thy Valour. Know thou firstI lou'd the Maid I married: neuer man Sigh'd truer breath. But that I see thee heere Thou Noble thingmore dances my rapt heartThen when I first my wedded Mistris saw Bestride my Threshold. Whythou Mars I tell theeWe haue a Power on foote: and I had purpose Once more to hew thy Target from thy BrawneOr loose mine Arme for't: Thou hast beate mee out Twelue seuerall timesand I haue nightly since Dreamt of encounters 'twixt thy selfe and me: We haue beene downe together in my sleepeVnbuckling Helmesfisting each others ThroatAnd wak'd halfe dead with nothing. Worthy MartiusHad we no other quarrell else to Romebut that Thou art thence Banish'dwe would muster all From twelueto seuentie: and powring Warre Into the bowels of vngratefull RomeLike a bold Flood o're-beate. Oh comego inAnd take our friendly Senators by'th' hands Who now are heeretaking their leaues of meeWho am prepar'd against your TerritoriesThough not for Rome it selfe

Corio. You blesse me Gods

Auf. Therefore most absolute Sirif thou wilt haue The leading of thine owne Reuengestake Th' one halfe of my Commissionand set downe As best thou art experienc'dsince thou know'st Thy Countries strength and weaknessethine own waies Whether to knocke against the Gates of RomeOr rudely visit them in parts remoteTo fright themere destroy. But come inLet me commend thee firstto those that shall Say yea to thy desires. A thousand welcomesAnd more a Friendthen ere an EnemieYet Martius that was much. Your hand: most welcome.

Exeunt.

Enter two of the Seruingmen.

1 Heere's a strange alteration?

2 By my handI had thoght to haue stroken him with a Cudgelland yet my minde gaue mehis cloathes made a false report of him

1 What an Arme he hashe turn'd me about with his finger and his thumbeas one would set vp a Top

2 NayI knew by his face that there was some-thing in him. He had sira kinde of face me thoughtI cannot tell how to tearme it

1 He had solooking as it werewould I were hang'd but I thought there was more in himthen I could think

2 So did IIle be sworne: He is simply the rarest man i'th' world

1 I thinke he is: but a greater soldier then heYou wot one

2 Who my Master? 1 Nayit's no matter for that

2 Worth six on him

1 Nay not so neither: but I take him to be the greater Souldiour

2 Faith looke youone cannot tell how to say that: for the Defence of a Towneour Generall is excellent

3 Why he is so made on heere withinas if hee were Son and Heire to Marsset at vpper end o'th' Table: No question askt him by any of the Senatorsbut they stand bald before him. Our Generall himselfe makes a Mistris of himSanctifies himselfe with's handand turnes vp the white o'th' eye to his Discourse. But the bottome of the Newes isour Generall is cut i'th' middle& but one halfe of what he was yesterday. For the other ha's halfeby the intreaty and graunt of the whole Table. Hee'l go he sayesand sole the Porter of Rome Gates by th' eares. He will mowe all downe before himand leaue his passage poul'd

2 And he's as like to do'tas any man I can imagine

3 Doo't? he will doo't: for look you sirhe has as many Friends as Enemies: which Friends sir as it weredurst not (looke you sir) shew themselues (as we terme it) his Friendswhilest he's in Directitude

1 Directitude? What's that?

3 But when they shall see sirhis Crest vp againeand the man in bloodthey will out of their Burroughes (like Conies after Raine) and reuell all with him

1 But when goes this forward:

3 To morrowto daypresentlyyou shall haue the Drum strooke vp this afternoone: 'Tis as it were a parcel of their Feastand to be executed ere they wipe their lips

2 Why then wee shall haue a stirring World againe: This peace is nothingbut to rust Ironencrease Taylorsand breed Ballad-makers

1 Let me haue Warre say Iit exceeds peace as farre as day do's night: It's sprightly walkingaudibleand full of Vent. Peaceis a very ApoplexyLethargiemull'ddeafesleepeinsensiblea getter of more bastard Childrenthen warres a destroyer of men

2 'Tis soand as warres in some sort may be saide to be a Rauisherso it cannot be deniedbut peace is a great maker of Cuckolds

1 Iand it makes men hate one another

3 Reasonbecause they then lesse neede one another: The Warres for my money. I hope to see Romanes as cheape as Volcians. They are risingthey are rising

Both. Inininin.

Exeunt.

Enter the two TribunesSiciniusand Brutus.

Sicin. We heare not of himneither need we fear himHis remedies are tamethe present peaceAnd quietnesse of the peoplewhich before Were in wilde hurry. Heere do we make his Friends Blushthat the world goes well: who rather hadThough they themselues did suffer by'tbehold Dissentious numbers pestring streetsthen see Our Tradesmen singing in their shopsand going About their Functions friendly. Enter Menenius.

Bru. We stood too't in good time. Is this Menenius? Sicin. 'Tis he'tis he: O he is grown most kind of late: Haile Sir

Mene. Haile to you both

Sicin. Your Coriolanus is not much mistbut with his Friends: the Commonwealth doth standand so would dowere he more angry at it

Aedile. Worthy TribunesThere is a Slaue whom we haue put in prisonReports the Volces with two seuerall Powers Are entred in the Roman TerritoriesAnd with the deepest malice of the WarreDestroywhat lies before' em

Mene. 'Tis AuffidiusWho hearing of our Martius BanishmentThrusts forth his hornes againe into the world Which were In-shell'dwhen Martius stood for RomeAnd durst not once peepe out

Mene. Cannot be? We haue Recordthat very well it canAnd three examples of the likehath beene Within my Age. But reason with the fellow Before you punish himwhere he heard thisLeast you shall chance to whip your InformationAnd beate the Messengerwho bids beware Of what is to be dreaded

Sicin. Tell not me: I know this cannot be

Bru. Not possible. Enter a Messenger.

Mes. The Nobles in great earnestnesse are going All to the Senate-house: some newes is comming That turnes their Countenances

Sicin. 'Tis this Slaue: Go whip him fore the peoples eyes: His raisingNothing but his report

Mes. Yes worthy SirThe Slaues report is secondedand more More fearfull is deliuer'd

Sicin. What more fearefull?

Mes. It is spoke freely out of many mouthsHow probable I do not knowthat Martius Ioyn'd with Auffidiusleads a power 'gainst RomeAnd vowes Reuenge as spaciousas betweene The yong'st and oldest thing

Sicin. This is most likely

Bru. Rais'd onelythat the weaker sort may wish Good Martius home againe

Sicin. The very tricke on't

Mene. This is vnlikelyHeand Auffidius can no more attone Then violent'st Contrariety. Enter Messenger.

Mes. You are sent for to the Senate: A fearefull Armyled by Caius MartiusAssociated with AuffidiusRages Vpon our Territoriesand haue already O're-borne their wayconsum'd with fireand tooke What lay before them. Enter Cominius.

Com. If? He is their Godhe leads them like a thing Made by some other Deity then NatureThat shapes man Better: and they follow him Against vs Bratswith no lesse ConfidenceThen Boyes pursuing Summer Butter-fliesOr Butchers killing Flyes

Mene. You haue made good workeYou and your Apron men: youthat stood so much Vpon the voyce of occupationand The breath of Garlicke-eaters

Com. Hee'l shake your Rome about your eares

Mene. As Hercules did shake downe Mellow Fruite: You haue made faire worke

Brut. But is this true sir?

Com. Iand you'l looke pale Before you finde it other. All the Regions Do smilingly Reuoltand who resists Are mock'd for valiant IgnoranceAnd perish constant Fooles: who is't can blame him? Your Enemies and hisfinde something in him

Mene. We are all vndonevnlesse The Noble man haue mercy

Com. Who shall aske it? The Tribunes cannot doo't for shame; the people Deserue such pitty of himas the Wolfe Doe's of the Shepheards: For his best Friendsif they

Should say be good to Romethey charg'd himeuen As those should do that had deseru'd his hateAnd therein shew'd like Enemies

Me. 'Tis trueif he were putting to my housethe brand That should consume itI haue not the face To saybeseech you cease. You haue made faire handsYou and your Craftsyou haue crafted faire

Com. You haue brought A Trembling vpon Romesuch as was neuer S' incapeable of helpe

Com. But I feare They'l roare him in againe. Tullus AffidiusThe second name of menobeyes his points As if he were his Officer: DesperationIs all the PolicyStrengthand Defence That Rome can make against them. Enter a Troope of Citizens.

Mene. Heere come the Clusters. And is Auffidius with him? You are they That made the Ayre vnwholsomewhen you cast Your stinkinggreasie Capsin hooting At Coriolanus Exile. Now he's commingAnd not a haire vpon a Souldiers head Which will not proue a whip: As many Coxcombes As you threw Caps vpwill he tumble downeAnd pay you for your voyces. 'Tis no matterIf he could burne vs all into one coaleWe haue deseru'd it

Omnes. Faithwe heare fearfull Newes

1 Cit. For mine owne partWhen I said banish himI said 'twas pitty

2 And so did I

3 And so did I: and to say the truthso did very many of vsthat we did we did for the bestand though wee willingly consented to his Banishmentyet it was against our will

Com. Y'are goodly thingsyou Voyces

Mene. You haue made good worke You and your cry. Shal's to the Capitoll? Com. Oh Iwhat else?

Exeunt. both.

Sicin. Go Masters get you homebe not dismaidThese are a Sidethat would be glad to haue This truewhich they so seeme to feare. Go homeAnd shew no signe of Feare

1 Cit. The Gods bee good to vs: Come Masters let's homeI euer said we were i'th wrongwhen we banish'd him

2 Cit. So did we all. But comelet's home.

Exit Cit.

Bru. I do not like this Newes

Sicin. Nor I

Bru. Let's to the Capitoll: would halfe my wealth Would buy this for a lye

Sicin. Pray let's go.

Exeunt. Tribunes.

Enter Auffidius with his Lieutenant.

Auf. Do they still flye to'th' Roman?

Lieu. I do not know what Witchcraft's in him: but Your Soldiers vse him as the Grace 'fore meateTheir talke at Tableand their Thankes at endAnd you are darkned in this action SirEuen by your owne

Auf. I cannot helpe it nowVnlesse by vsing meanes I lame the foote Of our designe. He beares himselfe more proudlierEuen to my personthen I thought he would When first I did embrace him. Yet his Nature In that's no Changelingand I must excuse What cannot be amended

Lieu. Yet I wish Sir(I meane for your particular) you had not Ioyn'd in Commission with him: but either haue borne The action of your selfeor else to himhad left it soly

Auf. I vnderstand thee welland be thou sure When he shall come to his accounthe knowes not What I can vrge against himalthough it seemes And so he thinkesand is no lesse apparant To th' vulgar eyethat he beares all things fairely: And shewes good Husbandry for the Volcian StateFights Dragon-likeand does atcheeue as soone As draw his Sword: yet he hath left vndone That which shall breake his neckeor hazard mineWhen ere we come to our account

Lieu. SirI beseech youthink you he'l carry Rome?

Auf. All places yeelds to him ere he sits downeAnd the Nobility of Rome are his: The Senators and Patricians loue him too: The Tribunes are no Soldiers: and their people Will be as rash in the repealeas hasty To expell him thence. I thinke hee'l be to Rome As is the Aspray to the Fishwho takes it By Soueraignty of Nature. Firsthe was A Noble seruant to thembut he could not Carry his Honors eeuen: whether 'twas Pride

Which out of dayly Fortune euer taintsThe happy man; whether detect of iudgementTo faile in the disposing of those chancesWhich he was Lord of: or whether NatureNot to be other then one thingnot moouingFrom th' Caske to th' Cushion: but commanding peaceEuen with the same austerity and garbeAs he controll'd the warre. But one of these(As he hath spices of them all) not allFor I dare so farre free himmade him fear'dSo hatedand so banish'd: but he ha's a MeritTo choake it in the vtt'rance: So our VertueLie in th' interpretation of the timeAnd power vnto it selfe most commendableHath not a Tombe so euident as a ChaireT' extoll what it hath done.One fire driues out one fire; one Naileone Naile;Rights by rights foulerstrengths by strengths do faile.Come let's away: when Caius Rome is thineThou art poor'st of all; then shortly art thou mine.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus.

Enter MeneniusCominiusSiciniusBrutusthe two Tribuneswithothers.

Menen. Noile not go: you heare what he hath said Which was sometime his Generall: who loued him In a most deere particular. He call'd me Father: But what o'that? Go you that banish'd him A Mile before his Tentfall downeand knee The way into his mercy: Nayif he coy'd To heare Cominius speakeIle keepe at home

Com. He would not seeme to know me

Menen. Do you heare?

Com. Yet one time he did call me by my name: I vrg'd our old acquaintanceand the drops That we haue bled together. Coriolanus He would not answer too: Forbad all NamesHe was a kinde of NothingTitlelesseTill he had forg'd himselfe a name a'th' fire Of burning Rome

Menen. Why so: you haue made good worke: A paire of Tribunesthat haue wrack'd for RomeTo make Coales cheape: A Noble memory

Com. I minded himhow Royall 'twas to pardon When it was lesse expected. He replyed It was a bare petition of a State To one whom they had punish'd

Menen. Very wellcould he say lesse

Com. I offered to awaken his regard For's priuate Friends. His answer to me was He could not stay to picke themin a pile Of noysome musty Chaffe. He said'twas folly For one poore graine or twoto leaue vnburnt

And still to nose th' offence

Menen. For one poore graine or two? I am one of those: his MotherWifehis ChildeAnd this braue Fellow too: we are the GrainesYou are the musty Chaffeand you are smelt Aboue the Moone. We must be burnt for you

Sicin. Naypray be patient: If you refuse your ayde In this so neuer-needed helpeyet do not Vpbraid's with our distresse. But sure if you Would be your Countries Pleaderyour good tongue More then the instant Armie we can make Might stop our Countryman

Mene. No: Ile not meddle

Sicin. Pray you go to him

Mene. What should I do? Bru. Onely make triall what your Loue can doFor Rometowards Martius

Mene. Welland say that Martius returne meeAs Cominius is return'dvnheard: what then? But as a discontented Friendgreefe-shot With his vnkindnesse. Say't be so?

Sicin. Yet your good will Must haue that thankes from Romeafter the measure As you intended well

Mene. Ile vndertak't: I thinke hee'l heare me. Yet to bite his lipAnd humme at good Cominiusmuch vnhearts mee. He was not taken wellhe had not din'dThe Veines vnfill'dour blood is coldand then We powt vpon the Morningare vnapt To giue or to forgiue; but when we haue stufft These Pipesand these Conueyances of our blood With Wine and Feedingwe haue suppler Soules Then in our Priest-like Fasts: therefore Ile watch him Till he be dieted to my requestAnd then Ile set vpon him

Bru. You know the very rode into his kindnesseAnd cannot lose your way

Com. I tell youhe doe's sit in Goldhis eye Red as 'twould burne Rome: and his Iniury The Gaoler to his pitty. I kneel'd before him'Twas very faintly he said Rise: dismist me Thus with his speechlesse hand. What he would do He sent in writing after me: what he would notBound with an Oath to yeeld to his conditions: So that all hope is vainevnlesse his Noble Mother

And his Wifewho (as I heare) meane to solicite him For mercy to his Countrey: therefore let's henceAnd with our faire intreaties hast them on.

Exeunt.

Enter Menenius to the Watch or Guard.

1.Wat. Stay: whence are you

2.Wat. Standand go backe

Me. You guard like men'tis well. But by your leaue

I am an Officer of State& come to speak with Coriolanus 1 From whence? Mene. From Rome

I You may not passeyou must returne: our Generall will no more heare from thence

Mene. Good my FriendsIf you haue heard your Generall talke of RomeAnd of his Friends thereit is Lots to BlankesMy name hath touch't your eares: it is Menenius

1 Be it sogo back: the vertue of your nameIs not heere passable

Mene. I tell thee FellowThy Generall is my Louer: I haue beene The booke of his good Actswhence men haue read His Fame vnparalell'dhappely amplified: For I haue euer verified my Friends(Of whom hee's cheefe) with all the size that verity Would without lapsing suffer: NaysometimesLike to a Bowle vpon a subtle ground I haue tumbled past the throw: and in his praise Haue (almost) stampt the Leasing. Therefore FellowI must haue leaue to passe

1 Faith Sirif you had told as many lies in his behalfeas you haue vttered words in your owneyou should not passe heere: nothough it were as vertuous to lyeas to liue chastly. Therefore go backe

Men. Prythee fellowremember my name is Meneniusalwayes factionary on the party of your Generall

Mene. Ha's he din'd can'st thou tell? For I would not speake with himtill after dinner

1 You are a Romanare you? Mene. I am as thy Generall is

1 Then you should hate Romeas he do's. Can youwhen you haue pusht out your gatesthe very Defender of themand in a violent popular ignorancegiuen your

enemy your shieldthinke to front his reuenges with the easie groanes of old womenthe Virginall Palms of your daughtersor with the palsied intercession of such a decay'd Dotant as you seeme to be? Can you think to blow out the intended fireyour City is ready to flame inwith such weake breath as this? Noyou are deceiu'dtherfore backe to Romeand prepare for your execution: you are condemn'dour Generall has sworne you out of repreeue and pardon

Mene. Sirraif thy Captaine knew I were heereHe would vse me with estimation

1 Comemy Captaine knowes you not

Mene. I meane thy Generall

1 My Generall cares not for you. Back I saygo: least I let forth your halfe pinte of blood. Backethat's the vtmost of your hauingbacke

Mene. Nay but FellowFellow. Enter Coriolanus with Auffidius.

Corio. What's the matter?

Mene. Now you Companion: Ile say an arrant for you: you shall know now that I am in estimation: you shall perceiuethat a Iacke gardant cannot office me from my Son Coriolanusguesse but my entertainment with him: if thou stand'st not i'th state of hangingor of some death more long in Spectatorshipand crueller in sufferingbehold now presentlyand swoond for what's to come vpon thee. The glorious Gods sit in hourely Synod about thy particular prosperityand loue thee no worse then thy old Father Menenius do's. O my Sonmy Son! thou art preparing fire for vs: looke theeheere's water to quench it. I was hardly moued to come to thee: but beeing assured none but my selfe could moue theeI haue bene blowne out of your Gates with sighes: and coniure thee to pardon Romeand thy petitionary Countrimen. The good Gods asswage thy wrathand turne the dregs of itvpon this Varlet heere: Thiswho like a blocke hath denyed my accesse to thee

Corio. Away

Mene. How? Away?

Corio. WifeMotherChildI know not. My affaires Are Seruanted to others: Though I owe My Reuenge properlymy remission lies In Volcean brests. That we haue beene familiarIngrate forgetfulnesse shall poison rather Then pitty: Note how muchtherefore be gone. Mine eares against your suitesare stronger then Your gates against my force. Yet for I loued theeTake this alongI writ it for thy sakeAnd would haue sent it. Another word MeneniusI will not heare thee speake. This man Auffidius Was my belou'd in Rome: yet thou behold'st

Auffid. You keepe a constant temper.

Exeunt.

Manet the Guard and Menenius.

1 Now siris your name Menenius? 2 'Tis a spell you see of much power: You know the way home againe

1 Do you heare how wee are shent for keeping your

greatnesse backe? 2 What cause do you thinke I haue to swoond? Menen. I neither care for th' worldnor your General:

for such things as you. I can scarse thinke ther's anyy'are so slight. He that hath a will to die by himselfefeares it not from another: Let your Generall do his worst. For youbee that you arelong; and your misery encrease with your age. I say to youas I was said toAway.

Exit

1 A Noble Fellow I warrant him

2 The worthy Fellow is our General. He's the RockThe Oake not to be winde-shaken.

Exit Watch.

Enter Coriolanus and Auffidius.

Corio. We will before the walls of Rome to morrow Set downe our Hoast. My partner in this ActionYou must report to th' Volcian Lordshow plainly I haue borne this Businesse

Auf. Onely their ends you haue respectedStopt your eares against the generall suite of Rome: Neuer admitted a priuat whisperno not with such frends That thought them sure of you

Corio. This last old manWhom with a crack'd heart I haue sent to RomeLou'd meaboue the measure of a FatherNay godded me indeed. Their latest refuge Was to send him: for whose old Loue I haue (Though I shew'd sowrely to him) once more offer'd The first Conditions which they did refuseAnd cannot now acceptto grace him onelyThat thought he could do more: A very little I haue yeelded too. Fresh Embassesand SuitesNor from the Statenor priuate friends heereafter Will I lend eare to. Ha? what shout is this?

Shout within

Shall I be tempted to infringe my vowIn the same time 'tis made? I will not.Enter VirgiliaVolumniaValeriayong Martiuswith Attendants.

My wife comes formostthen the honour'd mouldWherein this Trunke was fram'dand in her handThe Grandchilde to her blood. But out affectionAll bond and priuiledge of Nature breake;Let it be Vertuous to be Obstinate.What is that Curt'sie worth? Or those Doues eyesWhich can make Gods forsworne? I meltand am notOf stronger earth then others: my Mother bowes

As if Olympus to a Mole-hill should In supplication Nod: and my yong Boy Hath an Aspect of intercessionwhich Great Nature criesDeny not. Let the Volces Plough Romeand harrow ItalyIle neuer Be such a Gosling to obey instinct; but stand As if a man were Author of himself& knew no other kin

Virgil. My Lord and Husband

Corio. These eyes are not the same I wore in Rome

Virg. The sorrow that deliuers vs thus chang'dMakes you thinke so

Corio. Like a dull Actor nowI haue forgot my partAnd I am outeuen to a full Disgrace. Best of my FleshForgiue my Tyranny: but do not sayFor that forgiue our Romanes. O a kisse Long as my Exilesweet as my Reuenge! Now by the iealous Queene of Heauenthat kisse I carried from thee deare; and my true Lippe Hath Virgin'd it ere since. You GodsI prayAnd the most noble Mother of the world Leaue vnsaluted: Sinke my knee i'th' earth

Kneeles

Of thy deepe dutymore impression shew Then that of common Sonnes

Volum. Oh stand vp blest! Whil'st with no softer Cushion then the Flint I kneele before theeand vnproperly Shew duty as mistakenall this whileBetweene the Childeand Parent

Corio. The Noble Sister of Publicola; The Moone of Rome: Chaste as the Isicle That's curdied by the Frostfrom purest SnowAnd hangs on Dians Temple: Deere Valeria

Volum. This is a poore Epitome of yoursWhich by th' interpretation of full timeMay shew like all your selfe

Corio. The God of Souldiers: With the consent of supreame Ioueinforme Thy thoughts with Noblenessethat thou mayst proue To shame vnvulnerableand sticke i'th Warres Like a great Sea-marke standing euery flawAnd sauing those that eye thee

Volum. Your kneeSirrah

Corio. That's my braue Boy

Volum. Euen heyour wifethis Ladieand my selfeAre Sutors to you

Corio. I beseech you peace: Or if you'ld askeremember this before; The thing I haue forsworne to grauntmay neuer Be held by you denials. Do not bid me Dismisse my Soldiersor capitulate Againewith Romes Mechanickes. Tell me not Wherein I seeme vnnaturall: Desire not t' allay My Rages and Reuengeswith your colder reasons

Volum. Oh no moreno more: You haue said you will not grant vs any thing: For we haue nothing else to askebut that Which you deny already: yet we will askeThat if you faile in our requestthe blame May hang vpon your hardnessetherefore heare vs

Volum. Should we be silent & not speakour Raiment And state of Bodies would bewray what life We haue led since thy Exile. Thinke with thy selfeHow more vnfortunate then all liuing women Are we come hither; since that thy sightwhich should Make our eies flow with ioyharts dance with comfortsConstraines them weepeand shake with feare & sorowMaking the Motherwifeand Childe to seeThe Sonnethe Husbandand the Father tearing His Countries Bowels out; and to poore we Thine enmities most capitall: Thou barr'st vs Our prayers to the Godswhich is a comfort That all but we enioy. For how can we? Alas! how can wefor our Country pray? Whereto we are boundtogether with thy victory: Whereto we are bound: Alackeor we must loose The Countrie our deere Nurseor else thy person Our comfort in the Country. We must finde An euident Calamitythough we had Our wishwhich side should win. For either thou Must as a Forraine Recreant be led With Manacles through our streetsor else Triumphantly treade on thy Countries ruineAnd beare the Palmefor hauing brauely shed Thy Wife and Childrens blood: For my selfeSonneI purpose not to waite on Fortunetill These warres determine: If I cannot perswade theeRather to shew a Noble grace to both partsThen seeke the end of one; thou shalt no sooner March to assault thy Countrythen to treade (Trust too'tthou shalt not) on thy Mothers wombe That brought thee to this world

Virg. Iand minethat brought you forth this boyTo keepe your name liuing to time

Boy. A shall not tread on me: Ile run away Till I am biggerbut then Ile fight

Corio. Not of a womans tendernesse to beRequires nor Childenor womans face to see:

I haue sate too long

Volum. Naygo not from vs thus:

If it were sothat our request did tend

To saue the Romanesthereby to destroy

The Volces whom you serueyou might condemne vs

As poysonous of your Honour. Noour suite

Is that you reconcile them: While the Volces

May saythis mercy we haue shew'd: the Romanes

This we receiu'dand each in either side

Giue the All-haile to theeand cry be Blest

For making vp this peace. Thou know'st (great Sonne)

The end of Warres vncertaine: but this certaine

That if thou conquer Romethe benefit

Which thou shalt thereby reapeis such a name

Whose repetition will be dogg'd with Curses:

Whose Chronicle thus writThe man was Noble

But with his last Attempthe wip'd it out:

Destroy'd his Countryand his name remaines

To th' insuing Ageabhorr'd. Speake to me Son:

Thou hast affected the fiue straines of Honor

To imitate the graces of the Gods.

To teare with Thunder the wide Cheekes a'th' Ayre

And yet to change thy Sulphure with a Boult

That should but riue an Oake. Why do'st not speake?

Think'st thou it Honourable for a Nobleman

Still to remember wrongs? Daughterspeake you:

He cares not for your weeping. Speake thou Boy

Perhaps thy childishnesse will moue him more

Then can our Reasons. There's no man in the world

More bound to's Motheryet heere he let's me prate

Like one i'th' Stockes. Thou hast neuer in thy life

Shew'd thy deere Mother any curtesie

When she (poor Hen) fond of no second brood

Ha's clock'd thee to the Warres: and safelie home

Loden with Honor. Say my Request's vniust

And spurne me backe: Butif it be not so

Thou art not honestand the Gods will plague thee

That thou restrain'st from me the Dutywhich

To a Mothers part belongs. He turnes away:

Down Ladies: let vs shame him with him with our knees

To his sur-name Coriolanus longs more pride

Then pitty to our Prayers. Downe: an end

This is the last. Sowe will home to Rome

And dye among our Neighbours: Naybehold's

This Boy that cannot tell what he would haue

But kneelesand holds vp hands for fellowship

Doe's reason our Petition with more strength

Then thou hast to deny't. Comelet vs go:

This Fellow had a Volcean to his Mother:

His Wife is in Coriolesand his Childe

Like him by chance: yet giue vs our dispatch:

I am husht vntill our City be afire& then Ile speak a litle

Holds her by the hand silent.

Corio. O MotherMother!

What haue you done? Beholdthe Heauens do ope

The Gods looke downeand this vnnaturall Scene

They laugh at. Oh my MotherMother: Oh!

You haue wonne a happy Victory to Rome.

But for your Sonnebeleeue it: Oh beleeue it

Most dangerously you haue with him preuail'd

If not most mortall to him. But let it come:

Auffidiusthough I cannot make true WarresIle frame conuenient peace. Now good AuffidiusWere you in my steedwould you haue heardA Mother lesse? or granted lesse Auffidius?

Auf. I was mou'd withall

Corio. I dare be sworne you were: And sirit is no little thing to make Mine eyes to sweat compassion. But (good sir) What peace you'l makeaduise me: For my partIle not to RomeIle backe with youand pray you Stand to me in this cause. Oh Mother! Wife!

Auf. I am glad thou hast set thy mercy& thy Honor At difference in thee: Out of that Ile worke My selfe a former Fortune

Corio. I by and by; But we will drinke together: And you shall beare A better witnesse backe then wordswhich we On like conditionswill haue Counter-seal'd. Come enter with vs: Ladies you deserue To haue a Temple built you: All the Swords In Italyand her Confederate Armes Could not haue made this peace.

Exeunt.

Enter Menenius and Sicinius.

Mene. See you yon'd Coin a'th Capitolyon'd corner stone? Sicin. Why what of that? Mene. If it be possible for you to displace it with your

little fingerthere is some hope the Ladies of Romeespecially his Mothermay preuaile with him. But I saythere is no hope in'tour throats are sentenc'dand stay vppon execution

Sicin. Is't possiblethat so short a time can alter the condition of a man

Mene. There is differency between a Grub & a Butterflyyet your Butterfly was a Grub: this Martiusis growne from Man to Dragon: He has wingshee's more then a creeping thing

Sicin. He lou'd his Mother deerely

Mene. So did he mee: and he no more remembers his Mother nowthen an eight yeare old horse. The tartnesse of his facesowres ripe Grapes. When he walkshe moues like an Engineand the ground shrinkes before his Treading. He is able to pierce a Corslet with his eye: Talkes like a knelland his hum is a Battery. He sits in his Stateas a thing made for Alexander. What he bids bee doneis finisht with his bidding. He wants nothing of a God but Eternityand a Heauen to Throne in

Sicin. Yesmercyif you report him truly

Mene. I paint him in the Character. Mark what mercy his Mother shall bring from him: There is no more mercy in himthen there is milke in a male-Tygerthat shall our poore City finde: and all this is long of you

Sicin. The Gods be good vnto vs

Mene. Noin such a case the Gods will not bee good vnto vs. When we banish'd himwe respected not them: and he returning to breake our necksthey respect not vs. Enter a Messenger.

Mene. This is good Newes: I will go meete the Ladies. This VolumniaIs worth of ConsulsSenatorsPatriciansA City full: Of Tribunes such as youA Sea and Land full: you haue pray'd well to day: This Morningfor ten thousand of your throatesI'de not haue giuen a doit. Harkehow they ioy.

And make triumphant firesstrew Flowers before them:Vnshoot the noise that Banish'd Martius;Repeale himwith the welcome of his Mother:Cry welcome Ladieswelcome

All. Welcome Ladieswelcome.

A Flourish with Drummes & Trumpets.

Enter Tullus Auffidiuswith Attendants.

Auf. Go tell the Lords a'th' CityI am heere: Deliuer them this Paper: hauing read itBid them repayre to th' Market placewhere I Euen in theirsand in the Commons eares Will vouch the truth of it. Him I accuse: The City Ports by this hath enter'dand Intends t' appeare before the Peoplehoping To purge himselfe with words. Dispatch. Enter 3 or 4 Conspirators of Auffidius Faction.

Most Welcome

1.Con. How is it with our Generall? Auf. Euen soas with a man by his owne Almes impoyson'dand with his Charity slaine

2.Con. Most Noble SirIf you do hold the same intent Wherein you wisht vs parties: Wee'l deliuer you Of your great danger

Auf. SirI cannot tellWe must proceed as we do finde the People

3.Con. The People will remaine vncertainewhil'st 'Twixt you there's difference: but the fall of either Makes the Suruiuor heyre of all

Auf. I know it: And my pretext to strike at himadmits A good construction. I rais'd himand I pawn'd Mine Honor for his truth: who being so heighten'dHe watered his new Plants with dewes of FlatterySeducing so my Friends: and to this endHe bow'd his Natureneuer knowne beforeBut to be roughvnswayableand free

3.Consp. Sirhis stoutnesse When he did stand for Consullwhich he lost By lacke of stooping

Auf. That I would haue spoke of: Being banish'd for'the came vnto my HarthPresented to my knife his Throat: I tooke himMade him ioynt-seruant with me: Gaue him way In all his owne desires: Naylet him choose Out of my Fileshis proiectsto accomplish My best and freshest menseru'd his designements In mine owne person: holpe to reape the Fame Which he did end all his; and tooke some pride To do my selfe this wrong: Till at the last I seem'd his Followernot Partner; and He wadg'd me with his Countenanceas if I had bin Mercenary

1.Con. So he did my Lord: The Army marueyl'd at itand in the lastWhen he had carried Romeand that we look'd For no lesse Spoilethen Glory

Auf. There was it: For which my sinewes shall be stretcht vpon himAt a few drops of Womens rhewmewhich are As cheape as Lies; he sold the Blood and Labour Of our great Action; therefore shall he dyeAnd Ile renew me in his fall. But hearke.

Drummes and Trumpets soundswith great showts of the people.

1.Con. Your Natiue Towne you enter'd like a PosteAnd had no welcomes homebut he returnes Splitting the Ayre with noyse

2.Con. And patient FoolesWhose children he hath slainetheir base throats teare With giuing him glory

3.Con. Therefore at your vantageEre he expresse himselfeor moue the people With what he would saylet him feele your Sword: Which we will secondwhen he lies along After your way. His Tale pronounc'dshall bury His Reasonswith his Body

Auf. Say no more. Heere come the LordsEnter the Lords of the City.

All Lords. You are most welcome home

Auff. I haue not deseru'd it. But worthy Lordshaue you with heede perused What I haue written to you?

All. We haue

1.Lord. And greeue to heare't: What faults he made before the lastI thinke Might haue found easie Fines: But there to end Where he was to beginand giue away The benefit of our Leuiesanswering vs With our owne charge: making a Treatiewhere There was a yeelding; this admits no excuse

Corio. Haile LordsI am return'd your Souldier: No more infected with my Countries loue Then when I parted hence: but still subsisting Vnder your great Command. You are to knowThat prosperously I haue attemptedand With bloody passage led your Warreseuen to The gates of Rome: Our spoiles we haue brought home Doth more then counterpoize a full third part The charges of the Action. We haue made peace With no lesse Honor to the Antiates Then shame to th' Romaines. And we heere deliuer

Subscrib'd by'th' Consulsand PatriciansTogether with the Seale a'th Senatwhat We haue compounded on

Auf. Read it not Noble LordsBut tell the Traitor in the highest degree He hath abus'd your Powers

Corio. Traitor? How now? Auf. I TraitorMartius

Corio. Martius?

Auf. I MartiusCaius Martius: Do'st thou thinke Ile grace thee with that Robberythy stolne name Coriolanus in Corioles? You Lords and Heads a'th' Stateperfidiously He ha's betray'd your businesseand giuen vp For certaine drops of Saltyour City Rome: I say your City to his Wife and MotherBreaking his Oath and Resolutionlike A twist of rotten Silkeneuer admitting Counsaile a'th' warre: But at his Nurses teares He whin'd and roar'd away your VictoryThat Pages blush'd at himand men of heart Look'd wond'ring each at others

Corio. Hear'st thou Mars? Auf. Name not the Godthou boy of Teares

Corio. Ha? Aufid. No more

Corio. Measurelesse Lyarthou hast made my heart Too great for what containes it. Boy? Oh SlauePardon me Lords'tis the first time that euer I was forc'd to scoul'd. Your iudgments my graue Lords Must giue this Curre the Lye: and his owne NotionWho weares my stripes imprest vpon himthat Must beare my beating to his Graueshall ioyne To thrust the Lye vnto him

1 Lord. Peace bothand heare me speake

Corio. Cut me to peeces Volces men and LadsStaine all your edges on me. Boyfalse Hound: If you haue writ your Annales true'tis thereThat like an Eagle in a Doue-coatI Flatter'd your Volcians in Corioles. Alone I did itBoy

All People. Teare him to peecesdo it presently: He kill'd my Sonnemy daughterhe kill'd my Cosine Marcushe kill'd my Father

2 Lord. Peace hoe: no outragepeace: The man is Nobleand his Fame folds in This Orbe o'th' earth: His last offences to vs Shall haue Iudicious hearing. Stand Auffidius

And trouble not the peace

Corio. O that I had himwith six Auffidiussesor more: His Tribeto vse my lawfull Sword

Auf. Insolent Villaine

All Consp. Killkillkillkillkill him.

Draw both the Conspiratorsand kils Martiuswho fallesAuffidius stands on him

Lords. Holdholdholdhold

Auf. My Noble Mastersheare me speake

1.Lord. O Tullus

2.Lord. Thou hast done a deedwhereat Valour will weepe

3.Lord. Tread not vpon him Mastersall be quietPut vp your Swords

Auf. My LordsWhen you shall know (as in this Rage Prouok'd by himyou cannot) the great danger Which this mans life did owe youyou'l reioyce That he is thus cut off. Please it your Honours To call me to your SenateIle deliuer My selfe your loyall Seruantor endure Your heauiest Censure

1.Lord. Beare from hence his bodyAnd mourne you for him. Let him be regarded As the most Noble Coarsethat euer Herald Did follow to his Vrne

2.Lord. His owne impatienceTakes from Auffidius a great part of blame: Let's make the Best of it

Auf. My Rage is goneAnd I am strucke with sorrow. Take him vp: Helpe three a'th' cheefest SouldiersIle be one. Beate thou the Drumme that it speake mournfully: Traile your steele Pikes. Though in this City hee Hath widdowed and vnchilded many a oneWhich to this houre bewaile the IniuryYet he shall haue a Noble Memory. Assist.